Hebrews 3:19 (KJV) – “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

ABSTRACT

This article explores the transformative power of Christ’s heavenly ministry, emphasizing spiritual readiness over earthly attachments. It underscores the church’s preparation for a heavenly inheritance through a vital connection with Jesus, highlighting the error of focusing on physical locations like Jerusalem. Through scriptural and inspired insights, it calls believers to center their faith on Christ’s intercession in the heavenly sanctuary, fostering holiness and readiness for the new heaven and new earth.

THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY’S MIGHTY WORK

The work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary transforms believers’ characters, preparing the church for the new heaven and new earth. Christ’s holiness mingles with our prayers of repentance and faith, which brings us into a closer relationship with God (Review and Herald, February 25, 1896:9). This relationship is not based on physical proximity to sacred sites but on spiritual proximity to Christ. As Jesus Himself stated to the Samaritan woman, true worshipers will worship the Father “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24), underscoring that worship is a matter of the heart and spirit, not of place. The church that Christ is preparing is one that worships in this manner, focused on His heavenly ministry rather than earthly locations. Supporting this, Hebrews 8:1-2 declares, “We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (KJV). Additionally, Revelation 11:19 states, “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament” (KJV). Sr. White further explains, “In the holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. … This was the place whence the glory of God shone forth” (Early Writings, p. 32, 1882). She also writes, “The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911). This church is being refined and purified, made ready to dwell in a new creation where righteousness dwells, as Peter describes in 2 Peter 3:13. How can believers prioritize this heavenly focus over earthly distractions?

SEEKING A HEAVENLY INHERITANCE

The faithful throughout the ages were not seeking an earthly inheritance in old Jerusalem but rather a heavenly one. Despite the beliefs of some that visiting old Jerusalem is necessary before Jesus returns, this notion is not supported by Scripture and is, in fact, a significant error. Sr. White clearly states that those who believe they must go to old Jerusalem are being misled and that this belief distracts them from the present work of God under the third angel’s message (The Present Truth, p. 13). Jerusalem, which was once a sacred place, now carries a dark blot of guilt due to the rejection and crucifixion of Christ. According to Sr. White, Jerusalem will not be a sacred place again until it is cleansed by the purifying fires of heaven (Review and Herald, 1901, p. 2). Galatians 4:26 affirms, “But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all” (KJV). Likewise, Revelation 21:2 states, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (KJV). Sr. White notes, “The New Jerusalem is our place of rest” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 287, 1902). She also emphasizes, “We are not to pitch our tents by the way, but to press forward to our rest in the New Jerusalem” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 10, p. 341, 1899). Therefore, the idea of returning to old Jerusalem before Christ’s return is not only misguided but also unnecessary for the fulfillment of God’s plan. What does it mean to truly follow in Christ’s footsteps?

FOLLOWING CHRIST’S TRUE PATH

The emphasis on visiting old Jerusalem overlooks the true path of following Jesus. Sr. White emphasizes that the faithful should not seek to tread the soil of old Jerusalem to strengthen their faith. Instead, they should follow in Christ’s footsteps by ministering to the suffering, comforting the despondent, and living out the principles He taught (Review and Herald, 1896, p. 4). This approach reflects a true understanding of walking with Christ, which does not require physical pilgrimages to historical sites but rather a commitment to spiritual service. The work of God is advanced not by pilgrimages to Jerusalem but by living out Christ’s teachings and preparing for the establishment of the new Jerusalem, as described in Revelation (Review and Herald, 1896, p. 8). Matthew 25:40 supports this, stating, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (KJV). Similarly, James 1:27 declares, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (KJV). Sr. White writes, “True religion is to do the works of Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 126, 1909). She further states, “Christ’s followers are to represent Him in character and works” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 297, 1900). The focus of the faithful should be on the present work of God, preparing for the return of Christ by living out His teachings in daily life. How does Christ’s heavenly intercession shape our spiritual journey?

CHRIST’S INTERCESSION IN THE SANCTUARY

The call to focus on Christ rather than old Jerusalem is deeply rooted in the New Testament teachings. Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith,” highlighting that our spiritual journey should be centered on Him. This directive moves us away from an attachment to physical locations, such as Jerusalem, which once held significant religious importance. Sr. White emphasizes that Christ is the “bread of life” and that true spiritual nourishment comes from feeding on His word and living in obedience to His commands (Review and Herald, February 25, 1896:9). The essence of our faith is not found in venerating places but in fostering a personal and dynamic relationship with Christ. This relationship is characterized by a continuous focus on His work in the heavenly sanctuary, where He intercedes on our behalf, offering His own merit as incense mingled with our prayers. As Sr. White points out, it is through this intercession that we are brought into a close relationship with God, becoming His sons and daughters through the sacrifice of Christ. Romans 8:34 declares, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (KJV). Additionally, 1 Timothy 2:5 states, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (KJV). Sr. White writes, “Christ is our mediator and officiating High Priest in the presence of the Father” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 395, 1876). She also notes, “Through His intercession, He presents us to the Father as His purchased possession” (The Desire of Ages, p. 833, 1898). Thus, the emphasis is on a living connection with Jesus, who actively mediates and advocates for us, rather than on the physical restoration of ancient sites. What lessons can we learn from the patriarchs about spiritual readiness?

LESSONS FROM THE PATRIARCHS

The significance of Christ’s intercession in the heavenly sanctuary is further underscored by the historical experiences of the patriarchs and Israel. In Genesis 15:16, God explains to Abraham that he could not possess the promised land immediately because “the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” Similarly, the Israelites in their day could not enter the promised land due to their unbelief, as highlighted in Hebrews 3:19. These examples illustrate that God’s promises are not merely about physical inheritance but about spiritual readiness and righteousness. God does not replace one sinful people with another equally sinful group; rather, He seeks a holy people who are prepared to inherit the new heaven and new earth. Isaiah 60:21 describes the kind of people who will possess the new earth: “Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.” This vision of a holy, righteous people contrasts sharply with the idea of simply replacing one group with another. It calls for a transformation that only Christ can accomplish through His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. As Ephesians 5:25-27 and Titus 2:13-14 explain, Christ is preparing a church without spot or wrinkle, a people zealous for good works, ready to inherit eternal life. 1 Peter 2:9 states, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (KJV). Likewise, Revelation 7:14 declares, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (KJV). Sr. White writes, “God’s people are to be a holy people, distinct from the world” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 314, 1890). She also states, “Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 69, 1900). The focus of Christian faith should be on Christ, who is actively working in the heavenly sanctuary, preparing His people for the new heaven and new earth.

Hebrews 11:16 summarizes this concept: “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (KJV).

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search