Text: Luke 24:36-53, John 16:4-33, Hebrews 10:11-14
As a kid growing up in Michigan—all blonde braids and denim overalls—I was sure that heaven must be a wonderful place, and equally certain that I was bound to see all the animals I loved there. I was less sure how I felt about worshipping and bowing around a big throne for all of eternity. And I was skeptical about angels and beasts saying, “Holy, holy, holy” (Revelation 4:8). Why so repetitive, anyway? And when would we get to eat clove-flavored gumdrops and jump on clouds?
The world has a lot to say about heaven, but much like my childhood vision, it’s often far more informed by wistful thinking than by Scripture. But wherever and whatever heaven is, we do know this to be true: when Christ left His disciples, He ascended to heaven (Luke 24:51), and “after offering one sacrifice for sins forever,” He “sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12).
God is in heaven, and Jesus sits at His right hand.
I love having firm answers to biblical questions. Because honestly, my kids ask me stuff like this all the time, and I want to be a good and accurate teacher for them. The concept of Christ ascended to heaven could make us feel like Christ has disappeared from earth, but His ascension to His place at God’s right hand actually changes everything.
The Bible tells us that God the Father is Spirit, and He does not have a body like we do (John 4:24; Colossians 1:15). Jesus, on the other hand, does have a body, and He ascended in that body to His Father in heaven (Luke 24:39). Scripture also gives a glimpse, however limited, of the future awaiting us when our own bodies are raised even as Jesus was (I Corinthians 15:52; Romans 6:4).
We don’t know all the details of what heaven looks like, or how it will feel to be in the presence of God (though I reckon it’s going to be good!). We do, however, know that Christ is seated, signifying that His work is complete, and this changes not only our future, but the here and now.
Why? Because only by His ascension do we receive His Spirit (John 16:7). And our ascended Christ is, even now, interceding for us at the throne of God (1 Timothy 2:5; Romans 8:34). Jesus, right this instant, is serving as our High Priest! He has gone on to heaven to prepare a place for us (John 14:2), and He’s guaranteed to return for us, when He will judge both the living and the dead (John 14:3; 1 Peter 4:5).
What difference does this knowledge make to us now? It turns our sorrows into joy (John 16:20)!
Because Christ’s work is complete, our salvation is secure. His ascension and enthronement mean that our hope is sure, and we can have confidence as we approach the throne of grace, and joy as we serve Him here (Ephesians 3:12).
Heaven will be beyond our wildest dreams. I don’t know if there will be old dogs, or gumdrops, or cloud-jumping—though I wouldn’t put any of that past our God in His never-ending goodness to His children. Nevertheless, what great comfort it is to know that the Christ who died for us has ascended to heaven and waits for us there. We can be confident, not only of the good things to come, but of His loving, mediating work on our behalf this very day. Thanks be to God.
Jesus is amazing and I am so thankful for Him. Knowing someone loves me so much fills my heart with peace.
Wow…The thought of God judging both the living and the dead when he comes back I’m not gonna lie it scares me. It scares me because he is judging every single thing we’ve done (good or bad). I feel like that could do two things for people. It can make God have good thoughts about them and know their doing well in his word or God can think that while this person has faith there not listening nor acting in my word. And while I consider myself and others around me pretty good people you never now what people do in the dark. However I did love thinking about this concept because it wants to make me be more showered in the word than I already am!!! Amen, Great word!!!!
I don’t understand how God will judge the living and the dead. it makes me think those who are dead still have a choice to follow him. anyone have insight into this?
Revelation 20:11-15 speaks of the Great White Throne judgment. During this judgment, all of the dead will stand before Father God. There will be two books opened during this judgment. One is the Book of Life, the other will be a book that contains the works every dead person has done while living on earth. As we know from other Scriptures, no person has done righteous deeds in and of themselves. Therefore, their righteousness cannot save them. Also, “it is appointed for man once to die and then the judgment”. (Hebrews 9:27) Therefore, the dead cannot trust in Christ’s work on their behalf after their physical death. “Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Only those whose names are in the Book of Life will escape the Great White Throne judgment and have eternal life, for these are the ones who placed their trust in the work of Jesus Christ on their behalf. Their works do not condemn them because Jesus’ works have been appropriated to them because they trust in His works for their salvation. What we decide to do with Jesus in the here and now affects where how we will spend eternity — either separated from Him or worshipping Him.