An Open Heaven

Resting in the work of Christ

Secondly, we experience an open heaven by resting in the work of Christ. Through his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension he “has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with angels, authorities and powers being made subject to him” (1 Pet 3:22).

He has already opened the heavens on our behalf:

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 6:19–20 ESV

“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”

Hebrews 9:11–12 ESV

“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.”

Hebrews 9:24 ESV

Having lived his perfect life, satisfying the righteousness of God, Jesus cried out on the cross with his final breath, “It is finished!” The redemption of the world was finally accomplished—the work was complete. No amount of religious activity, or fleshly striving on our behalf can improve on what God in Christ has already perfected.