Many Christians pay attention to the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and forget about the ascension. This topic is worth discussing since some people wonder what the Bible means when it says that Jesus ascended to heaven and is still in the world. Where is Jesus now?
According to 1st Peter 3:22, Jesus is in heaven right now, seated at the right hand of God. The Bible suggests that he ascended into heaven 40 days after his resurrection, and his disciples witnessed this. However, the Bible suggests that Jesus is omnipresent and is, therefore, in heaven and in the world. 2nd Chronicles 2:6 suggest that even the highest heaven cannot contain him.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus ascended to heaven? What is Jesus doing in heaven now? How does Jesus being in heaven benefit Christians? These are the questions that this article will cover. Read on to find out more!
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus ascended to heaven?
Acts 1:9-11 talks about the ascension of Jesus to heaven, This verse says, And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud hid him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes and said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come the same way you saw him go into heaven.
The ascension of Jesus took place 40 days after he was resurrected. This story is also recorded in Luke 24:51, which says, While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.
The Bible indicates that Jesus ascended to heaven from Mount Olivet, near Jerusalem. His disciples accompanied him to the Mount. Before he went to heaven, he promised his disciples that he would send them the Holy Spirit and instructed them to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came. Luke 24:49 says that the Holy Spirit would fill them with the power from heaven.
Before ascending to heaven, the Bible says that Jesus blessed his disciples. The ascension of Jesus involved his physical body rising from the ground gradually and returning to heaven. The disciples saw him rise from the ground until they strained to catch the last glimpse of him. As he continued rising, a cloud eventually hid him from their view. The Bible suggests that the two men that stood by them were angels who reassured them that Christ would return someday.
Jesus’ ascension into heaven was the end of human limitations that he had during his ministry on earth. While on earth, some of his attributes had been suspended, but he gained them back as soon as he ascended into heaven. The Bible suggests that his heavenly glory returned- a glimpse of which was seen during the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9)
Though Jesus ascended into heaven, the Bible also suggests that he is in this world since he is omnipresent. Solomon said in 2nd Chronicles 2:6 that even the highest heavens cannot contain him.
What is Jesus doing in heaven now?
1st Peter 3:22 says that Jesus is now at the right hand of God the Father. This verse says, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels’ authorities and powers having been subjected to him.
The Bible also suggests that since Jesus is seated on God’s right hand, he has been given the power to subdue his enemies. This is explained in Psalm 110:1, which says, The Lord says to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.
Jesus told his followers that he was going to heaven to prepare a place for them. This is explained in John 14:2-3 which says, In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself that where I am, you may be also.
Ephesians 1:22-23 implies that Jesus is heading the church. These verses say that he put all things under his feet and appointed him as the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
The Bible suggests that Jesus in heaven acts as our mediator and intercedes for us. This is explained in Hebrews 7:24-25 which says, but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he can save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them. Therefore, Jesus is involved in our relationship with God.
Hebrews 9:24 reveals that Jesus represents us in heaven in God’s presence so that we don’t have to represent ourselves. This verse says, For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
According to Ephesians 4:7, Jesus in heaven is also giving grace to his believers. This verse says, Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measured portion of Christ’s gift. Since God gave Jesus authority over the devil and evil spirits, his work in heaven is to protect and strengthen his people, as explained in 2nd Thessalonians 3:3.
When we sin, Jesus pleads our case before God and advocates on our behalf, as explained in 1st John 2:1-2. These verses say, My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
How does Jesus being in heaven benefit Christians?
Jesus’ ascension to heaven benefits Christians since it prepares the way for them. Those who believe in God and live according to his word have a union with Jesus Christ. In Thessalonians 4:17, Paul wrote, Then we who are alive, who are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Jesus being in heaven also benefits Christians since it gives them hope of joining him one day. Jesus promised believers that he would come back for them and take them where he is now, as explained in John 14:3. Jesus even prayed regarding this to his Father. In John 17:24, he prayed, Father, I desire that those also whom you have given me, may be with me where I am to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Since Christians have a union with Jesus, they can benefit from his heavenly position and are empowered to have victory over evil and sin. This is further explained in Ephesians 2:6, which says, He raised us up with Christ the exalted one, and we ascended with him into a glorious perfection and authority of the heavenly realm, for we are now co-seated as one with Christ.
For this reason, Paul urges Christians to stand firm against Satan’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11), It.
Additionally, Jesus being in heaven benefits Christians since it gives them access to God’s throne of grace and mercy. This is explained in Hebrews 4:16, which says, Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
We mentioned that Jesus promised his followers that he would send them the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would come to empower Christians. John 14:26 talks of the benefit of this promise. It says, But the advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
If Jesus was still on earth in physical form, he could only be in a single location at a time. However, the arrival of the Holy Spirit after Jesus went to heaven established the church and led to the expansion of his ministry.
Jesus ascending to heaven also benefits Christians since it puts him in a position to intercede for them. The Bible suggests that Jesus has an authoritative position in heaven and intercedes for believers, as explained in Romans 8:34.
References
- Ascension
- Where is Jesus now? Is Jesus in heaven?
- Christ as the head over all things
- Don Stewart: What will it be like in heaven?
- What is the meaning and importance of the ascension of Jesus Christ?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
