He is at the right hand of God. He is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, — a Saviour ever ready to bless, abounding in blessings.
Let us notice, secondly, in this passage, the place to which our Lord went when He left the world. We read that He was " carried up into heaven."
The full meaning of these words we cannot of coarse comprehend. It would be easy to ask questions about the exact residence of Christ's glorified body, which the wisest theologian could never answer. We must not waste our time in unedifying speculations, or ^* intrude into things unseen.'' (Col. ii. 18.) Let it suffice us to know that our Lord Jesus Christ is gone into the presence of God on behalf of all who believe on Him, as a Fore- runner and a High Priest. (Heb. vi. 20. John xiv. 2.)
As a Forerunner, Jesus has gone into heaven to pre- pare a place for all His members. Our great Head has taken possession of a glorious inheritance in behalf of His mystical body, and holds it as an elder brother and trustee, until the day comes when His body shall be perfected. — As a High Priest, Jesus has gone into heaven to in- tercede for all who believe on Him. There in the holy of holies He presents on their behalf the merit of His own sacrifice, and obtains for them daily supplies of mercy and grace. The grand secret of the perseverance of saints is Christ's appearance for them in heaven. They have an everlasting Advocate with the Father, and there- fore they are never cast away. (Heb. ix. 24. 1 John ii. 1.)
A day will come when Jesus shall return from heaven, in like manner as He went. He will not always abide within the holy of holies. He will come forth, like the
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