The Great Sacrifice Heb. 23-28 (99)
“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (v. 24). A further reason to demonstrate the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice over those which were offered under the law. Here the proof is drawn from the place which Christ entered after He had offered Himself a sacrifice unto God, namely, into Heaven itself. “For Christ.” “The Anointed” imports three things. First, the offices or functions which the Son of God undertook for the salvation of His people. These were three in number and each was foreshadowed of old: the prophetic 1Kg 19:16, Ps. 105:15, the priestly Lev. 8:12, 30; Ps. 133:2, the kingly (1Sam. 10:1, 16:13). Second, the right which He has to undertake those functions: He who “anointed” Christ was the Father Acts 10:38, thereby appointing and authorizing Him Heb. 5:5. Third, His ability to perform those functions whereunto He was anointed: therefore did He declare “the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach” etc. Lk 4:18, John 3:34.“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands Mk. 14:58, Jn. 2:19–21, the figures of the true.” The negative is first expressed in order to emphasize the contrast which follows. Three things are here said of respect to its institution, it was the “holy of holies,” and that, because it had been dedicated as the chamber where the special pledges of God’s presence were given. Second, as to its fabric, though framed by Divine command, it was but of human workmanship, “made with hands.” Third, as to its principal end or design, it was a resemblance or figure of heavenly things.” Pink Arthur W.
- “But into Heaven itself” ch. 1:3; 6:20; 8:2, 5; Mk. 16:19, Lk. 24:51, Ac. 1:9–11; 3:21, Ep. 1:20–22; 4:8–11, 1Pet. 3:22. This entrance of Christ into the celestial Sanctuary is to be distinguished from His entering “once into the holy place” of v. 12 immediately after the Savior expired upon the cross, when, in fulfillment of the type of Lev. 16:14, He appeared before the Father to present to Him the memorial of His completed satisfaction. We must constantly distinguish between Christ as the antitype of Aaron, and Christ as the antitype of Melchizedek. Aaron pointed to nothing after Christ’s resurrection; Melchizedek did. The “once” of Heb. 9:12 emphasizes the finality of Christ’s sacrifice. His “entrance” here in Heb. 9:24 was for the purpose of intercession, which is continuous: Heb. 7:25. John Owen said, “the entrance of Christ into heaven on His ascension, may be considered two ways. “1. As it was regal, glorious and triumphant; so it belonged to His kingly office, as that wherein He triumphed over all the enemies of the Church: Eph. 4:8–10 from Ps. 68:18. Satan, the world, death and hell being conquered, and all power committed to Him. 2. As it was sacerdotal. Peace and reconciliation being made by the blood of the cross, the covenant being confirmed, eternal redemption obtained, He entered as our High Priest into the temple of God above, to make His sacrifice effectual to His Church.”
- Christ entered Heaven as the great High Priest of His Church, as the Mediator of the new covenant, as the “Forerunner” of His people Heb. 6:20, as their “Advocate” 1John 2:1, and the “Firstborn of many brethren.” This He does “now,” at the present season, and always, to the consummation of all things. This had other ends in view Jn 17:5, Heb. 1:3—“upholding” etc.. Our High Priest, now in Heaven, God’s “Temple,” the “throne of grace.” Had He not made a full end of our sins, He could not have appeared with confidence as our Surety in the presence of God!
- “To appear in the presence of God for us.” Christ presents Himself to God “as a lamb that had been slain” Rev. 5:6! He appeared as an Attorney before the Judge. He has gone there to seek from God and dispense to His people those blessings which He purchased for them. He has gone there to plead the infinite merits of His sacrifice, as a permanent reason why they should be saved: Rom. 8:34, Heb. 7:25. This supplies the great testimony to the continuance of Christ’s love, care and compassion toward the Church: it is their interests which He promotes.
