Question 49

Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension into heaven?

First, that he is our advocate in the presence of his Father in heaven:^a secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven, as a sure pledge that he, as the head, will also take up to himself, us, his members:^b thirdly, that he sends us his spirit as an earnest,^c by whose power we “seek the things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, and not things on earth.”^d

1. a. Hebrews 9:24; 1 John 2:2; Romans 8:34

   Hebrews 9:24

   ^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:

   ^9:24 For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.

   1 John 2:2

   ^2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

   ^2:2 He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

   Romans 8:34

   ^8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

   ^8:34 Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God-and He is interceding for us.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. John 14:2; Ephesians 2:6

   John 14:2

   ^14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

   ^14:2 In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

   Ephesians 2:6

   ^2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

   ^2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. John 14:16; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:5

   John 14:16

   ^14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

   ^14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever-

   2 Corinthians 1:22

   ^1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

   ^1:22 placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.

   2 Corinthians 5:5

   ^5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

   ^5:5 And God has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

4. d. Colossians 3:1; Philippians 3:20

   Colossians 3:1

   ^3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

   ^3:1 Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

   Philippians 3:20

   ^3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

   ^3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible