The Ascension: Christ’s Intercession

Heb. 9:23-26

Introduction:

1. The ascension began the reality of the new covenant life of the people of God. When Christ sat down at the right hand of God the Father, a stream of fulfilled promises came to realization. As king he fulfilled the promise made to David. As the first sign of his rule he poured out the promised Holy Spirit on the sons of God. As king he became Lord of the church. As Lord of the church, he gave gifts to his people to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

2. The risen and ascended Jesus is the Christ or Anointed One. As we study the Scriptures we learn that the Christ has three offices: prophet, priest and king. Today, let us look in brief at the ascended Christ’s ministry as priest.

Exposition:

I.          The inferiority of the old covenant Levitical ministry.  “Inferiority” is only a term of comparison, not disparagement.

A. It was a ministry that took place in a manmade sanctuary that was only a copy of the true sanctuary in heaven.

Illustration: People don’t get overly excited about a copy, like a copy of a famous painting, etc.

1. Since it was a copy that was given by God, it is able to teach about the reality of Christ’s better ministry.

2. But it was only a copy. It was not the reality of heaven. God graciously manifested his presence in the copy, but it was inadequate.

B. It had sacrifices that had to be repeated — cf. 10:1-2

1. The sacrifices would bring about a ceremonial purity that God was pleased to accept. He would dwell among the people.

2. But the sacrifices could never take away sin and cleanse the consciences of those who worshipped. It was a ministry of fear. Even Moses, the leader of the people, was afraid (12:21).

Apply: We must avoid the desire to want to go back to an inferior ministry. All the sacrifices and rituals of the old covenant priesthood, though given by God, are inferior to what we have in Christ. If even they were copies, how much less valuable are all other manmade ways of worship! Stay away from them.

II.          The superiority of Christ’s new covenant ministry.

            A.         He entered Heaven to appear for us in God’s presence.  This is no small action. Think of who he appears before:

1. The majestic God — Ps 8:1,9

2. The holy God — Ps 15, 24

Illustration: If you were to have a case heard before the Supreme Court of the United States, you would not ask your friendly neighborhood lawyer to represent you. He or she would not be allowed to argue your case before the court. You would need a constitutional lawyer — someone authorized by the court to present a case. There is only one person authorized to appear in God’s presence. His name is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Apply: When we think of the ascended Christ, we should have a vivid picture of him before God for us. Jesus, our mediator, is our man in glory!

            B.         His sacrifice was final

1. It was a one-time event — “once for all”. When he ascended, Christ our great high priest had already completed his sacrificial work on the cross.

2. He accomplished what needed to be done for us also to appear in God’s presence. He sacrificed himself  “to do away with sin”. Our Lord doesn’t do things halfway. When by faith we receive the justification that he secured by his blood, we are right with God. We stand pure before the Lord.

Apply: You know, that is pretty good! Do you agree? It’s enough to make a Baptist shout!

III.         The object of Christ’s ministry — “for us”

A. His exaltation is proof of our acceptance by the Father.

1. When the Father glorified the Son, he knew what that meant — our glorification, too.

2. So then, he not only made us alive with Christ, but he also “raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…” (Eph 2:6). Christ’s atonement is so sufficient that it gives us the right to sit with Christ in God’s presence.

Point: You sit when your work is finished. We now rest in Christ’s grace.

B. His exaltation as High Priest refers to his people, believers

1. We cannot divide the ministry of Christ. All points of his saving work have reference to the elect — those whom the Father has given to him. Whenever we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we hear testimony of this truth (Mk 14:24).

2. Christ is greatly interested in his peoples’ welfare. He is the Good Shepherd  (Ps 23; Jn 10). The ascension enriches the meaning of this truth! Our Shepherd is on a throne!

Application:

[1]        No one may look for another way of pleasing God.

            [a]        It is one of the chief errors of humanity to turn to our own way.  We think, “Why can’t God accept me my way?”

            [b]        The most important issue is whether or not your complete hope is in Jesus Christ.

[2]        All believers should increase their confidence in Christ’s intercession.

            [a]        We are to be sure of forgiveness in Christ (1 Jn 1:9ff).

                        (1)        We should not be afraid of returning to our Lord. We should be ashamed, repentant, yes, but not afraid.

                        (2)        Some object to this teaching. “Oh, that sounds dangerous!  It seems like we must please him first!” We answer, “No, it isn’t dangerous, it’s Grace!”

            [b]        This should lead to greater assurance of salvation.

                        (1)        Will the Father say “No” to a prayer of his Son?  No! Jn 11:41-42

                        (2)        Does not the Son pray for our security?  Yes! Lk 23:31-32, Jn 17:24, Rm 8:34

[3]        Are you rejoicing by faith in the Ascended Jesus, our Great High Priest? Turn your eyes from lesser things. Look to Jesus!