The Finished Work of the Cross
Text Scripture:
Malachi 3:16-18 (NKJV):
"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name. 'They shall be Mine,' says the Lord of hosts, 'On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.' Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him."
1. The Finished Work of Jesus on the Cross
The global Christian community celebrates the finished work of Jesus on the Cross. Through His shed blood and broken body, we have redemption, propitiation, atonement, and the opportunity for repentance, salvation, justification, sanctification, and eternal life.
2. Jesus' Ascension and New Ministry Phase
After His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus ascended back into Heaven, marking the beginning of a new phase in His ministry (Acts 1:6-12). Christians should appreciate this transition as Jesus continues His work in Heaven.
3. Jesus' Eternal Role in Heaven
Before coming to Earth, Jesus was involved in His Father's work in Heaven (Genesis 1:26-27; Colossians 1:15-20; Philippians 2:5-11). Now seated at the right hand of God, Jesus continues His work as our high priest, mediator, and advocate.
Genesis 1:26-27 (NKJV):
"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
Colossians 1:15-20 (NKJV):
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross."
Philippians 2:5-11 (NKJV):
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
4. Jesus, Our High Priest
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV):
"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Jesus, our High Priest, empathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes on our behalf, providing mercy and grace in our time of need.
5. Confidence in Christ Alone
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV):
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
Our confidence must be in Christ alone, resulting in a healthy, realistic expectation toward God.
6. Christ's Priesthood
Hebrews 8:1-2 (NKJV):
"Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at 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 erected, and not man."
Christ's priesthood in the order of Melchizedek is superior to the earthly priesthood.
7. The Heavenly Venue
Hebrews 12:22-24 (NLT):
"No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God's firstborn children, whose names are written in Heaven. You have come to God Himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in Heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel."
The blood of Jesus speaks on our behalf in Heaven from the mercy seat.
8. Jesus, Our Advocate
1 John 1:9 (NKJV):
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
As our advocate, Jesus serves as our legal counsel and defense attorney in the courts of Heaven.
9. The Role of Jesus as Advocate
1 John 2:1-2 (NKJV):
"My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world."*
Jesus represents us against Satan's accusations and charges, ensuring our acquittal in the courts of Heaven.
10. Invitation to Freedom, Justice, and Mercy
Isaiah 43:25-26 (NKJV):
"I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted."*
God invites us to find freedom, justice, and mercy in the courts of Heaven through Jesus, our advocate, and Father God, the Supreme Judge.
Conclusion
1. Redemption and Forgiveness: Through Jesus' finished work on the Cross, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.
2. Intercession and Advocacy: Jesus continually intercedes and advocates for us in Heaven, ensuring our spiritual well-being.
3. Confidence and Boldness: We can approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus understands our weaknesses.
4. Eternal Security: Jesus is preparing a place for us in Heaven, where we will dwell with Him eternally.
5. Ultimate Victory: Jesus' role as King of kings and Lord of lords ensures the ultimate victory over sin and death.
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