Christ's Journey from the Cross to the Heavenly Sanctuary

Yes, the history of Christ’s journey from His victory on the cross to His arrival and inauguration in the heavenly sanctuary is a central theme in both the teachings of Ellen White and the pioneers. After His triumph over death, Christ ascended to the presence of His Father to begin His mediatorial work as our High Priest, a transition marked by a change from the robes of earthly suffering to the glorious garments of His heavenly officeAA 38.3+2.

The Journey from the Cross to the Ascension

• Victory Over the Grave: In His death, the powers of darkness appeared to prevail, but by His resurrection, Christ became a conqueror, spoiling principalities and powers Colossians 2:15DA 165.5.

• The Transition Period: Following His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days with His disciples, teaching them from the Scriptures and preparing them for the descent of the Holy Spirit Acts 1:3HLv 339.4.

• The Physical Ascension: Upon reaching the Mount of Olives near Bethany, Jesus blessed His disciples and was drawn heavenward by a power stronger than earthly attraction Luke 24:50-51DA 830.3.

• A Tangible Reality: The disciples witnessed Him ascend in the tangible form of humanity, receiving the promise from angels that He would return in the same literal manner Acts 1:9-113SP 254.1.

Arrival and Inauguration in the Heavenly Sanctuary

• Entrance into the City: As Christ approached the gates of the New Jerusalem, a triumphant escort of angels sang responsive songs of praise, identifying Him as the King of Glory Psalms 24:7-106Red 70.1.

• The Heavenly Inauguration: Christ’s arrival was the signal for His coronation and the beginning of His work as High Priest in the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched Hebrews 8:1-2CCh 347.6+1.

• The Outpouring of the Spirit: The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was Heaven’s communication that the Redeemer’s inauguration was accomplished and that He had been officially recognized as Priest and King1888 1015.2+1.

• The First Apartment Ministry: Upon His ascension, Christ entered the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, appearing in the presence of God for us with His own blood Hebrews 9:24CIHS 145.1+1.

Specifics Regarding Heavenly Garments

• The Loss of the Robe of Light: Originally, Adam and Eve were enshrouded in a robe of light, a symbol of spiritual innocence, but this departed when they sinned1BC 1084.6+1.

• The Change to Garments of Ignorance: Upon losing their innocence, humanity drew about themselves the dark robes of ignorance concerning God's character1BC 1084.6.

• The Robe of Christ’s Righteousness: The only garment the saints need to meet the Lord is the righteousness of Christ, represented by fine linen, clean and white Revelation 19:8CIHS 119.2+1.

• Garments Seen in Revelation: The book of Revelation, written decades after the ascension, depicts the redeemed wearing white robes and jeweled crowns as they stand before the throne as conquerors Revelation 7:9+13SP 257.3+1.

• Transition of the High Priest: Just as the typical high priest changed his garments for different services, Christ’s transition from His earthly sacrifice to His heavenly mediation involved taking up His position before the ark and the mercy seat to present His blood on behalf of sinners Hebrews 9:11-12CIHS 23.2+1.

• The Final Change: When Jesus finishes His work in the sanctuary and the plagues are about to be poured out, His intercession closes, and the cases of all people are decided for eternity Revelation 22:11-12SR 403.2+1.