Understanding the Two Phases of Christ's Atonement

The atonement is a comprehensive work that began with Christ's sacrifice on the cross but continues through His mediation in the heavenly sanctuary until the final removal of sinRR 242.4+1. While the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary was perfect and complete as an offering, His ministry as our High Priest is required to apply the benefits of that blood to the penitent sinnerGW92 13.2+1.

The Two Phases of Atonement

The work of redemption consists of two great divisions, just as the earthly sanctuary service had a daily and a yearly ministrationCCh 347.6.

• The Sacrifice on the Cross: At the crucifixion, the type met antitype when the Lamb of God died for the sins of the world, ending the necessity of earthly sacrifices1SG 161.1+1. Jesus died on the cross as a transgressor so that man might be justified through His merits15MR 100.3.

• The Heavenly Ministration: After His ascension, our Saviour began His work as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary Hebrews 9:24. He appears in the presence of God to plead the efficacy of His blood on behalf of those who come to Him in faith7ABC 477.2+1.

The Final Atonement in the Most Holy Place

Since 1844, Christ has entered the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary to perform the closing work of atonementGC 422.1+1.

• Cleansing the Sanctuary: Just as the earthly sanctuary was cleansed on the Day of Atonement, the heavenly sanctuary must be freed from the record of sin through the investigative judgmentCIHS 112.1+1.

• Blotting Out Sins: The sins of the truly penitent remain on record in the books of heaven until this final work of atonement, at which time they are blotted outEP 249.4+1.

• The Role of the Scapegoat: When this intercession closes, the sins of God's people are placed upon Satan, the originator of sin, who will bear the final penaltyEW 280.2+1.

The Necessity of Christ's Continued Intercession

We are currently living in the antitypical Day of Atonement, a solemn time that requires deep heart searching and confession12MR 320.3+1.

• Our Advocate: Jesus is our Advocate and Intercessor today, standing before the Father to plead for the pardon of our transgressions 1 John 2:17BC 933.14.

• Preparation Required: We must cooperate with Christ by faith, entering the sanctuary above to prepare our souls to reflect the divine image7ABC 485.2+1.

• The Close of Probation: The work of atonement in the sanctuary will finish when every case has been decided for life or death, after which the plagues of God's wrath will be poured outEW 280.2+1.

It is a vital truth that while Christ's death provided the atoning sacrifice, His ministry in the most holy place is the concluding part of the atonement which prepares the universe for the final removal of sinPP 357.6+1. All who have their names written in the book of life will be those who have followed their High Priest by faith into the heavenly sanctuaryPCO 167.2+1.