Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #24 — Christ’s Ministry In The Heavenly Sanctuary

Picture: Counsel #24 — Christ’s Ministry In The Heavenly Sanctuary CCL 34.1

Imagine a real sanctuary, not built by human hands, but existing eternally in heaven. This is where Jesus acts as our ultimate Advocate, ensuring the benefits of His sacrifice on the cross are constantly available to believers.^[46] CCL 34.2

Ascending to Heaven after His death and resurrection, Jesus began His role as our High Priest and advocate. In 1844, a significant time prophecy in God's plan, Christ’s work in Heaven entered a new phase. He began investigating the lives of those who have claimed to be His followers from the beginning of time, symbolized by the Old Testament Day of Atonement. In a similar way, Jesus' investigation involves a spiritual cleansing of heaven’s sanctuary. This ongoing process reveals God’s fairness in identifying those who believe in Him and turn away from their sins.^[47] CCL 34.3

When Jesus completes this investigative work of the living and the dead, the opportunity to accept God's grace comes to a close and Jesus will come to Earth again. CCL 34.4

“I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated…. The court was seated, and the books were opened.” Daniel 7:9, 10 CCL 34.5

“Thus was presented to the prophet’s vision the great and solemn day when the characters and the lives of men should pass in review before the Judge of all the earth, and to every man should be rendered ‘according to his works.’” Ellen White in The Great Controversy, p. 479 CCL 34.6

Reflect: How can you prepare your heart and life for the close of human probation and Christ's return? CCL 34.7