Christ’s Work in Heaven Now—High Priest of the House of God

We know that Jesus Christ has gone to heaven (Acts 1:9–11) and that he now sits at the right hand of God awaiting the time when God will send him back to the earth (Psalm 110:1; Mark 16:19; Acts 3:19–21). There are many references of him being at the right hand of God now (Acts 2:33–34; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1–2; Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22).

His great work in heaven is as “high priest over the house of God” (Hebrews 10:21). This present role of the Lord was also foretold in Psalm 110:4. The work he now performs is of vital importance for all who wish to serve God acceptably. We have seen in previous studies that through baptism our past sins are forgiven. However, after baptism, though we try even harder to please God, we all still fail through sin. This is when we appreciate the wonder of our great High Priest in heaven, through whom we can communicate with the Father through prayer and seek forgiveness, help and guidance in life (Hebrews 4:16). He is the “one mediator between God and man” (1 Timothy 2:5).

There are many references that speak of this work of the Lord Jesus Christ and show us how fitted he is to fulfil this role on our behalf. He was “touched with the feeling of our infirmities” and was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15–16). He is “a merciful and faithful high priest” who, because he has suffered temptation, “is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17–18). Moreover, access to God is always available through him, for “he ever liveth to make intercession” to God for those who approach in his name. He is our “advocate with the Father” (Hebrews 7:24–25; 1 John 2:1–2).

Those who have become members of “the household of God” through belief and baptism into Christ have this glorious privilege of praying to God through him and asking for the forgiveness of their sins.

However, God does hear the prayers of all those who genuinely desire to know Him and are prepared to learn of His ways. God will not hinder us if we have that desire. As Jesus himself said, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). We have the example of Cornelius, who prayed to God (Acts 10:1–2) and God heard his prayer and revealed to him the Truth in Christ Jesus; and when he believed it, he was then baptised (Acts 10:47–48). Without baptism into Christ a person’s sins cannot be forgiven.

Prayer—an Essential Part of the Believer’s Life

Jesus said that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1), indicating the importance of prayer as a source of comfort and strength in the life of his disciples. He himself has given an example in this regard, for often we read of him praying to God. He also gave the pattern for prayer in Matthew 6:9–13 and Luke 11:1–4. The Psalms are recorded prayers that can be a source of help to guide us in our own prayers to God.

The apostle Paul wrote: “Be careful for nothing [lit ‘do not be anxious about anything’]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7). One of the last things Jesus encouraged his disciples to do was to “watch and pray always” (Luke 21:36).

What a great privilege those who are of the “household of God” have through Jesus Christ—the privilege of access to God through him in prayer, and forgiveness of sins.

Adapted from “The Exploring the Bible Course” by David Evans