Christ in the Heavenly Sanctuary – Teaching Plan
Key Thought : Christ is still at work to ensure the process of judgment and to help us prepare for the kingdom of God in our hearts.
1. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 7:24-28.
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A. Ask class members to share what the most important point of this text is.
B. Is the heavenly sanctuary necessary for the salvation of man? Why or why not?
C. Personal Application : Could it have been possible for Jesus to forgive us without having to die on the cross? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Why do people say that everything ended, or was finished, at the cross? Don’t they understand the work of Christ as our High Priest and the application to the eradication of sin?” How would you reply to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 9:11-15
A. Ask class members to share what the most important point of this text is.
B Why did the ministry and priesthood move from earth to heaven?
E. Personal Application : Does the understanding of Christ as our High Priest change the way we look at how we should live our lives? Share your thoughts.
F. Case Study: One of your friends states, “If Christ obtained eternal redemption for us at the cross, why was it necessary for Him to enter into the heavenly sanctuary to do work?” How would you reply to your relative?
3. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 9:20-24.
A. Ask class members to share what the most important point of this text is.
B. Why is blood in the system of salvation both in the earthly and in the heavenly sanctuary so important?
C. Personal Application : Does Christ’s heavenly priesthood teach us anything about God’s care for us? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I think the cross was just a symbol of salvation. I don’t believe that God had to actually exact blood out of Christ for our salvation. That system makes God look like a tyrant who has to have His ounce of blood for people to be saved. God is a loving God and doesn’t need blood to save us.” How would you reply to your relative?
4. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 7:24-27.
A. Ask class members to share what the most important point of this text is.
B. Did Christ’s heavenly priesthood do anything to help us in our struggle with sin?
C. Personal Application : How is Christ’s heavenly priesthood important in your life today? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with that person.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared. MH p. 149)
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