The Christian is a citizen of two worlds, the earthly and the heavenly. He must render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. Because he is a citizen of two worlds, the Christian must learn how to walk by faith in a world that is governed by sight.

Practical man says, “Seeing is believing!” But the man of faith replies, “Believing is seeing!”

This principle of faith must apply to our relationship to the heavenly sanctuary. We have never seen this sanctuary. Yet we believe what the Bible tells us about it. We realize that God is not worshiped today in temples made with hands. There is no special place on earth where God dwells.

We may call a local church building a “house of God,” but we know that God does not live there. The building is dedicated to God and His service, but it is not His dwelling place.

Hebrews 9 presents a detailed contrast between the Old Covenant sanctuary (the tabernacle) and the New Covenant heavenly sanctuary where Jesus Christ now ministers. This contrast makes it clear that the New Covenant sanctuary is superior.

The Bible says: “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands … but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24).

Also read: Isaiah 57:15; Acts 7:46-50; John 4:19-24; Hebrews 4:15.

Action assignment: Spend a few minutes now worshiping at your heavenly sanctuary. Thank God that Jesus Christ, your High Priest, is ministering for you in the presence of God today.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in