26th April 2022
At the right hand of God
Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God…
Hebrews 10:11-12 (NIVUK)
The book of Hebrews establishes the complete supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant. In the header scripture above the efficacy of the work of our high priest, Jesus Christ, is contrasted with the work of the Old Covenant priests. Under the Old Covenant the priests’ work was never finished and so they had to stand day after day and offer and repeat sacrifices which could never take sins away. In the holy places in the temple there were no seats available for the priests to sit. They had to stand, signifying that their work of offering sacrifices was never finished.
As the scripture asserts, Jesus offered one sacrifice – his body on the cross – for the sins of all humanity, the efficacy of which lasts for all time. He then sat down at the right hand of God because everything was done for the forgiveness of sins. Redemption of humanity had been accomplished, and atonement for sins was complete.
Unfortunately, some mistakenly consider that they must add their own work to Christ’s sacrifice to make them acceptable to God. As the apostle Paul asserts, humanity can add nothing to the work of Jesus: ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.’ (Ephesians 2: 8-9).
Although Jesus’ work of atonement is finished, his ministry is on-going and Jesus is actively engaged in the lives of believers. In Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin, as opposition grew to what he was stating, he was strengthened by the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of Christ, and he sees a vision: ‘…I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ (Acts 7:56). Jesus stood at the right hand of God. He stood with Stephen, strengthening, and supporting him through his trial.
We can rest in the certain knowledge that Jesus has done all that is required for our salvation, and we can be encouraged that he stands with us to see us through the trials and tribulations of life.
Prayer
Father, we thank you that through Jesus Christ you have reconciled the world to yourself; help us to effectively take your message of reconciliation into the secular world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Study by Eddie Marsh
About the writer:
Eddie Marsh attends the Sheffield congregation of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Please email the local congregational contact (see below) for information about the Sheffield congregation’s meeting venue and time.
Local congregational contact:
Email: sheffield@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church