p. 357 | CHRIST OUR HIGH PRIEST by C. H. Keslake

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 5, 1900

CHRIST OUR HIGH PRIEST.

By C. H. Keslake

C. H. KESLAKE.

In Heb. 3: 1 we are exhorted to “consider the apostle and high priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” There are many ways in which we may study Christ, but it is obvious that the way we are to study him, in this instance, is as our High Priest, for that is the way he is introduced in the text.

While this exhortation has been applicable to the “brethren” in all ages, it must be of special application to the “brethren” who are in the “waiting time.” With the light on the sanctuary question shining upon God’s people now, revealing the solemn truth that our High Priest in the most holy apartment is engaged in the work of cleansing, it must be of special interest to them to know Christ as their High Priest.

Inasmuch as we are exhorted to “consider the high priest of our profession,” it must be clear that those who do this will gain a knowledge of him,—light will shine from him upon them, revealing him more perfectly as the Saviour of sinners. Indeed it is as Christ is set forth as High Priest, and because of it, that Paul declares that “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.” Heb. 7: 25.

An important consideration as to why God’s people at this time should have a thorough understanding of Christ’s position as High Priest, and the character of his work as such, is the fact that at this very time, Satan, working with all power, signs, and lying wonders, is to counterfeit the work of Christ as High Priest.

Over and over again we have been told that while light and power is descending from above, a new power is rising from beneath and taking possession of those whose lives are not being sanctified by the truth.

With this thought in mind I will quote a few extracts from “Early Writings,” illustrating this truth. On page 45 is given a chapter on “End of the Twenty-three Hundred Days.” It reads: “I saw a throne, and on it sat the Father and the Son. . . . Before the throne I saw the Advent people,—the church and the world. I saw two companies, one bowed down before the throne, deeply interested, while the other stood uninterested and careless. Those who were bowed before the throne would offer up their prayers, and look to Jesus; then he would look to his Father, and appear to be pleading with him. A light would come from the Father to the Son, and from the Son to the praying company. Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from the Father to the Son, and from the Son it waved over the people before the throne. But few would receive this great light. . . .

“I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the vail, and sit down. Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose with him. . . . Those who arose when Jesus did, kept their eyes fixed on him as he left the throne and led them out a little way. . . . A cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot, and was borne to the holiest where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. . . . Those who rose up with Jesus would send up their faith to him in the holiest, and pray, ‘My Father, give us thy Spirit.’ Then Jesus would breathe upon them the Holy Ghost. In that breath was light, power, and much love, joy, and peace.

“I turned to look at the company who were still bowed before the throne; they did not know that Jesus had left it. Satan appeared to be by the throne, trying to carry on the work of God. I saw them look up to the throne, and pray, ‘Father, give us thy Spirit.’ Satan would then breathe upon them an unholy influence; in it there was light and much power, but no sweet love, joy, and peace. Satan’s object was to keep them deceived, and to draw back and deceive God’s children.” (Italics mine.)

When was all this?—After Jesus had gone into the holy of holies. From the Scriptures we learn that Christ did go there in 1844. So then at this very time Satan is to counterfeit the priestly work of Christ, to deceive the professed people of God, and to draw back and deceive God’s children. It is as High Priest that Christ is to save to the uttermost. When therefore one comes under Satan’s hellish influence, and receives his spirit, thinking that he is receiving the Holy Spirit, he surely comes under one of Satan’s masterpieces of deception, exceeded only by that which Satan will work when he personates Christ at his second coming.

Truly we are in the time of peril. Satan’s work will be so like Christ’s that few will realize the difference. As the prayer, ‘My Father, give us thy Spirit,’ is offered, there will come on the respective parties mentioned above a spirit; with the one there will come light, power, and much love, joy, and peace; with the other there will also come “light and power, but no sweet love, joy, and peace.” Here surely is one test as to whether one has the Holy Spirit or not.

“Saved to the uttermost!” sweet the refrain; “Saved to the uttermost!” sing it again. Bright words of glory, how beauteous they shine,— “Saved to the uttermost;” Jesus is mine.

“Save to the uttermost!”—this Christ can do; “Save to the uttermost!”—words ever true. Trusting thy Saviour, this truth shall be thine: “Saved to the uttermost; Jesus is mine.”

“Saved to the uttermost!”—glory to God! “Saved to the uttermost!” tell it abroad. To Christ my Saviour my all I resign; “Saved to the uttermost;” Jesus is mine.