He Hasn't Forgotten
Christ's absence in heaven does not hinder our spiritual possession of him, and he remains committed to his poor church.
Thomas Manton preaches about the continuous presence of Christ in heaven, emphasizing that His absence does not hinder believers from having a spiritual connection with Him. Despite His exalted position, Christ remains a compassionate high priest who is deeply concerned for His church and is able to empathize with our weaknesses. His heavenly residence does not diminish His ability to minister to us and provide for our needs.
Text
"... but these are in the world, and I come to thee" (John 17:11).
We have Christ always for us in heaven; he hath a part of his office to perform there. His absence doth not hinder us from having a right to him, or a spiritual possession of him. He is ours, and he hath his residence in heaven, and hath power to open it to us and give us entrance. His high honor doth not hinder him from the discharge of his office to do us good. He is at God's right hand, and yet 'a minister of the sanctuary.' Christ is not stately: many forget their poor friends when advanced; Christ regardeth his poor church as much as ever.
The butler, when he was advanced, forgot Joseph: but he remembereth us; he disdaineth not to look after every poor christian: Heb. 4:15, 'We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.' His heart is not changed by his honor, but he is in a greater capacity to do us good.
Sermon Outline
- Christ's Presence in Heaven
- He has a part of his office to perform there
- His absence does not hinder our spiritual possession of him
Key Quotes
“Christ is not stately: many forget their poor friends when advanced; Christ regardeth his poor church as much as ever.” — Thomas Manton
“We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” — Thomas Manton
Application Points
- We can trust that Christ remains committed to us, even in his honor and glory.
- Christ's heart towards us is not changed by his position in heaven.
- We have access to Christ through his office in heaven.