Opening the Gates of Heaven Perry Stone

“seated” at God’s right hand, indicating He completed the redemptive covenant (Heb. 1:3). However, when making atonement for Israel, the high priest must stand up to intercede and perform the Day of Atonement rituals. When Stephen looked up into heaven, he said, “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56, KJV ). When Stephen was being stoned, he asked God not to lay the sin of the men who were stoning him on them. Christ as the High Priest stood in the heavenly temple to make intercession as Stephen was requesting forgiveness for his murderers. As we ascend the ladder of prayer, through our words we petition the Father in the name of Jesus and thereby gain legal authority to approach the gate of heaven where the throne of God sits. This is the same throne Daniel saw when he described God as the Ancient of Days, sitting on a fiery throne with burning wheels. The Almighty appeared in white garments with hair white like snow, and in this setting the “judgment was set” (Dan. 7:9–10, KJV ). God’s throne is more than a large holy chair. It is a seat of judgment where decisions are made, blessings released, and judgments applied. When we use the name of Jesus in prayer, we give Christ the authority to present our petition at God’s throne of decision. In return, the Father releases answers back to earth through angelic messengers, the movement and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and by speaking through individuals who are willing to hearken to God’s