One of the most common arguments made against the Adventist doctrine of the heavenly sanctuary is the claim that Christ's work ended when He sat down at the right hand of the Father.
The argument typically goes something like this:
"Jesus died on the cross, completed the atonement, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and sat down at the Father's right hand. Therefore, there can be no continuing work of intercession, judgment, or sanctuary ministry in heaven."
At first glance, this argument may sound convincing. After all, Scripture does state that Christ sat down after offering Himself as a sacrifice for sin.
Hebrews 1:3 declares that Christ, after He had "purged our sins," "sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Likewise, Hebrews 10:12 states:
"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God."
As Seventh-day Adventists, we fully agree that Christ's sacrifice was complete at the cross. His death was sufficient. His blood was perfect. There is no need for Christ to offer Himself repeatedly. The sacrifice was finished once and for all. However, the real question is: Does Christ sitting down mean every aspect of His salvific ministry was finished?
Christ Sat Down—Yet He Still Ministers
The same book of Hebrews that says Christ sat down, also teaches that Christ continues to minister on behalf of His people.
Hebrews 7:25 says:
"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."
Notice that Christ is not described as inactive. He is actively interceding.
Hebrews 8:1-2 adds:
"We have such an high priest, who is set on 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 pitched, and not man."
This passage presents a remarkable truth. Christ is seated at God's right hand, yet He is simultaneously described as a minister of the heavenly sanctuary. Thus, it's clear that sitting down does not mean inactivity. Rather, Christ's sitting signifies His exaltation, authority, and the completion of His sacrifice, while His heavenly ministry continues.
the Difference Between Sacrifice and Ministry
Consider the Communion service.
In my church, we condense the service on Communion Sabbaths. Thus, after the sermon, we then transition to the footwashing and bread and wine portion of the service.
As a result, my pastor will stand and preach a Communion-based sermon; however, after completing the sermon, he will then sit down. When my Pastor sits, no one assumes the entire service is finished. It is understood that the service transitions from one phase to another. In other words, the sermon is complete, but the service continues.
This same principle applies to Christ. At Calvary, Christ completed His sacrificial offering for sin. However, after His resurrection and ascension, He entered a new phase of ministry as our heavenly High Priest.
The sacrifice was finished. The ministry continued.
The Old Testament Sanctuary Pattern
This concept of Christ's continuity of work is consistent with the sanctuary service established by God in the Old Testament.
When a sacrifice was offered, the death of the victim was not the end of the process.
Depending upon the type of offering, the blood was carried into the sanctuary, the flesh was eaten by the priest, or the priest ministered within the holy place. It was through these acts that the sins of the people were symbolically transferred to the sanctuary.
Thus, the sacrifice and the priest's ministration of the sanctuary were distinct but connected phases of the same plan of redemption. Likewise, Christ first offered Himself as the sacrifice for sin and then entered the heavenly sanctuary to minister the benefits of His sacrifice on behalf of His people.
Does Sitting Always Mean a Work Is Finished?
Perhaps the greatest weakness of mainstream Christianity's argument is the assumption that sitting always means the completion of work. As a matter of fact, In many cases, sitting marks the beginning of a work rather than its end.
Solomon Sat—And His Kingdom Began
First Kings 2:12 states:
"Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly."
Solomon's sitting did not end his work. It marked the beginning of his reign.
Moses Sat—And Judgment Began
Exodus 18:13 says:
"And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people."
Moses sat in order to begin judging Israel.
Jesus Sat—And Teaching Began
Matthew 5:1-2 records:
"And when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them."
In these examples, sitting marked the beginning of ministry rather than its end.
The Father Sat—and Judgment Began
Perhaps the strongest example is found in Daniel 7. Daniel describes the judgment:
"I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit..." (Daniel 7:9)
Then Daniel states:
"The judgment was set, and the books were opened." (Daniel 7:10)
Notice what happens. The Father sits, then judgment begins. This is crucial because it demonstrates that sitting can signify the commencement of an official work. The Ancient of Days did not sit because judgment was over. He sat because judgment was beginning.
What Christ's Sitting Really Means
Christ sat down because:
- His sacrifice was complete.
- His victory was secured.
- His authority was established.
- His priestly ministry had begun in heaven.
Therefore, we should understand that:
- Christ sits today as our High Priest.
- He sits today as our Advocate.
- He sits today as our Intercessor.
- He sits today as the Minister of the heavenly sanctuary.
Conclusion
The question is not whether Christ sat down. The Bible clearly teaches that He did.
The real question is what His sitting means. Many good Christians believe that Jesus sitting means He no longer works for our salvation. This is simply not true.
Christ's sacrifice and atonement were finished at the cross. But this does not mean the work for our salvation ended. The seated Christ is still our living High Priest, still our Advocate, and still our Intercessor. And because He sat, we can stand boldly before the throne of grace.
