A farmer can rest when he has stacked the hay in the barn. The hay is secure and not at risk of weather damage. This is analogous to what Jesus did for us. His death and resurrection secured eternal redemption for sinners because he alone secured atonement for the sin condition of humanity. The clear pathway for sinners to have fellowship with Father God was made secure because of this Man's work.
The Bible says that "...this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool." (Heb.10:13) Being seated speaks of a finished work. The nature of this finished work was this - He alone had offered one sacrifice for sins that would cancel out the need for any other sacrifices. John the Baptist prophesied when he saw Jesus at the river Jordan, "Behold! The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
Heaven is at rest as far as the sin issue is concerned because "The Lamb of God" has not only removed the impediment of sin that separated God from man and man from God but has also paid for the due penalty of sin thus satisfying a Holy God. The job of the removal of the sin barrier was done and is effective for all time.
The challenge for us is whether we will believe and receive what He has done. When a person believes on what He has done, he too is seated with Him. The Holy Spirit, God's ambassador on earth, is at work communicating this truth to us. When we believe on His death and resurrection we are also positioned to receive all of the benefits of salvation. When the 120 followers of Jesus waited in the Upper room for ten days they eventually reached a place where they were ready to receive the Holy Spirit. They didn't receive because they tried harder; they received because they trusted God to perform for them. Interestingly when they received the Holy Spirit, they were seated! (Acts 2:2)
When we trust God we will be seated in the sense that we readily acknowledge what He has done rather than what we have failed to do. Trusting in His work positions the believer to also be seated with Him in heavenly places. (Eph.2:6)
Adapted from Ross Smith's book, "It Is Finished". Go to www.thevine.org.au/resources.html Ross Smith is the Senior Pastor of The Vine Church, Logan, Queensland, Australia.
