Hebrews 9:24—“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”

Under the old covenant, the high priest entered the earthly holy place with sacrificial blood. Yet that sanctuary was only a “figure” of the heavenly reality. Christ, our great High Priest, has entered not into an earthly sanctuary but “into heaven itself”.

The words “for us” are especially precious. Christ appears before God on behalf of His people. His saving work did not end with His death and resurrection. The risen and exalted Christ now represents His redeemed before the Father.

This does not mean that Christ must repeatedly offer Himself. Hebrews clearly teaches that His sacrifice was once for all. Rather, His presence in heaven continually attests to the sufficiency and acceptance of His finished work.

What confidence this gives the believer! Our acceptance with God does not rest on the perfection of our prayers, the strength of our faith, or the consistency of our obedience. It rests on Christ, whose sacrifice has been accepted and who now appears before God on our behalf.

When we fail, we must repent. When we are weak, we must seek grace. Yet we need not approach God as though we had no advocate or representative before Him.

Christ is there for His people. Therefore, we may approach God with humble confidence.

When you pray, remember that you do not approach heaven alone. Your great High Priest is already there, appearing in the presence of God for you.