When did the first phase of the cleansing of the sanctuary begin?

When did the first phase of the cleansing of the sanctuary begin?

• A. The ascension of Jesus
• B. At Pentecost
• C. At the birth of Jesus
• D. At the crucifixion

Answer: (A)

In Adventist understanding, the cleansing of the sanctuary refers to the work of Jesus as High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. That priestly ministry begins when Jesus ascends to heaven and takes His place there, entering the heavenly sanctuary to intercede and apply His atonement by cleansing the records. This marks the start of the cleansing process in the heavenly realm and sets the stage for the ongoing investigative judgment. The other events are part of salvation history on earth or events that come later in the broader timeline, but they do not initiate the heavenly sanctuary cleansing. Birth marks incarnation, crucifixion accomplishes atonement on earth, and Pentecost signals the Spirit’s empowerment of the church on earth; none of these inaugurates the heavenly cleansing work begun after the ascension.

In Adventist understanding, the cleansing of the sanctuary refers to the work of Jesus as High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. That priestly ministry begins when Jesus ascends to heaven and takes His place there, entering the heavenly sanctuary to intercede and apply His atonement by cleansing the records. This marks the start of the cleansing process in the heavenly realm and sets the stage for the ongoing investigative judgment.

The other events are part of salvation history on earth or events that come later in the broader timeline, but they do not initiate the heavenly sanctuary cleansing. Birth marks incarnation, crucifixion accomplishes atonement on earth, and Pentecost signals the Spirit’s empowerment of the church on earth; none of these inaugurates the heavenly cleansing work begun after the ascension.