Beyond Resurrection
The Roman soldier pierced Jesus in His side and out came blood and water. This fulfilled the scripture, "They shall look on Him who they pierced." This was all part of the Master's plan. What a great exchange that took place on the cross as Jesus became sin for us Who knew no sin. Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb but death had no sting and grave had no victory. We know the story … Jesus rose from the dead. It is important to know that this was a bodily resurrection, for the Jehovah's Witness believes that it was a spiritual resurrection. Jesus specifically said, "Destroy this body and in three days I will raise it up." Jesus spoke of the temple of His body. (John 2:21) Jesus is alive!
The disciples could not believe it. Mary Magdalene was the first to see Him alive again. But, notice what He says to her, "Touch me not for I have not ASCENDED to My Father …" (John 20:17) Here is the most overlooked truth to our celebration - The ASCENSION. It's very rare that we hear of what took place after He got up. I thank God for the Cross and for the Resurrection but if Jesus had not ASCENDED our salvation is incomplete.
A Little History
In the old testament, the high priest entered into the Holy of Holies once a year with the blood of an animal which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people (Hebrews 9:7). This tabernacle was built by man as a shadow of the real Holy place in heaven
(Hebrews 9:1-9). It contained the candlestick, the showbread, and the table. Beyond the second veil was the Holiest of all which contained the ark of the covenant, Aaron's rod that budded and the mercy seat in which the presence of God dwelled.
After the ASCENSION.
Jesus, our Great High Priest of the new and better covenant, had to ASCEND to enter the true Holy of Holies not made by man. It was not God's ultimate desire that sacrifices be offered for sin.
Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a BODY hast thou prepared me:
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast no pleasure. Hebrews 10:5-6
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