Thinking on Scripture with Dr. Steven R. Cook
Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
After His resurrection, Jesus ascended bodily to heaven (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-11). The biblical record is that Jesus is now in heaven (Acts 2:32-35; 7:55-56; Eph. 1:20-22; Phil. 3:20; 1 Thess. 1:9-10; 4:16). Jesus went up to heaven bodily and will return the same way when He comes back to establish His kingdom on earth (Rev. 19:11-21).
The ascension of Jesus into heaven signaled the end of His ministry on earth. Jesus had come to earth to offer the Davidic kingdom to Israel (2 Sam. 7:12-13; Ps. 89:3-4, 34-36; Luke 1:30-33; Matt. 4:17; 10:5-7), but after they rejected Him, the Davidic kingdom was postponed until His Second Coming (read pages 71-72). The prominent work of Christ in heaven is that of High Priest in which He accomplishes the following:
Jesus Christ is currently at work on earth both with and in believers (Matt. 28:18-20; John 14:20; Gal. 2:20; Col. 1:27). He is the One who imparts life to those who believe in Him (John 10:10; 1 John 5:12). He also strengthens us to do His will (Eph. 6:10; Phil. 4:13).
[1] These four points are taken directly from Major Bible Themes, pages 72-74.
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