No Man Hath Ascended up to Heaven, Part II

2023-09-17

Previously, I referred to Hebrews 9:24: “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” One thing about Jesus ascending to heaven that is different from the other examples was that He had the right to be there. He was there from eternity past. All others were sinners dependent on the forgiveness and regeneration by God. Jesus ascended because the sacrifice of Himself was acceptable by God. “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12). Enoch, Elijah, Paul, John, etc. did not do any of this. Only the Lord was able to do this on our behalf, opening up the way to the Father for us. “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities” (Isaiah 53:11).

The discussion is continued here.