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From Here to Forever
Thus those studying the subject found proof of the existence of
a sanctuary in heaven. John testifies that he saw it in heaven.
In the temple in heaven, in the most holy place, is God’s law.
The ark that enshrines the law is covered with the mercy seat, before
which Christ pleads His blood in the sinner’s behalf. Thus is rep-
resented the union of justice and mercy in the plan of redemption,
a union that fills all heaven with wonder. This is the mystery of
mercy into which angels desire to look—that God can be just while
He justifies the repenting sinner, that Christ could stoop to raise
multitudes from ruin and clothe them with the spotless garments of
His own righteousness.
The work of Christ as man’s intercessor is presented in
Zechariah: “He shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall
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bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his [the Father’s] throne;
and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace
shall be between them both.”
Zechariah 6:12, 13
.
“He shall build the temple of the Lord.” By His sacrifice and
mediation Christ is the foundation and builder of the church of God,
“the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together
groweth into an holy temple in the Lord.”
Ephesians 2:20, 21
. “He
shall bear the glory.” The song of the ransomed ones will be: “Unto
him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, ...
to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.”
Revelation 1:5, 6
.
He “shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest
upon his throne.” The kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in.
Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God give unto
Him a kingdom of which “there shall be no end.”
Luke 1:33
. As
priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Upon
the throne is He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,”
“in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” that He might
be “able to succor them that are tempted.”
Isaiah 53:4
;
Hebrews
4:15
;
2:18
. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet,
plead for fallen man whose redemption was purchased at such cost.
“And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” The
love of the Father is the fountain of salvation for the lost race. Said
Jesus to His disciples, “The Father himself loveth you.” God was “in
Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.” “God so loved the world,