The Stages of Christ's Ascension and Return (Part 3)

As mentioned in Part 2 of this multi-post topic, it is important to look at the ascension of Jesus, and the stages that it occurred in, in order to fully understand the stages of Christ's return. We'll continue therefore, in this part, to look at the details of the second stage of Christ's ascension, and later, when we look at Jesus' whole second coming, we will see how this part will mirror the same stage of His multi-part return. There are some very interesting things to learn from these stages and the events that tie into them.

The second stage of Christ's ascension into a new position and glory.

It is clear and evident in scripture that Stephen (in Acts 7:55-56) saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This is an important fact, as it provides us with information regarding Jesus current position of ascension. God gave Stephen the ability to see into the spiritual realm and witness the sight of Jesus standing in a place of power and authority. Also, (although the Bible is not clear on this next point), I believe that Jesus had not yet crossed over into the 3rd heaven, —that is, He had not yet crossed over the "waters above the firmament", which is the divide between God's throne and the expanse of the created and visible universe. I'll provide more information about this divide at the end of this post.

I discussed in Part 2 that Jesus was waiting for the faith response of Israel. Since Israel rejected Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in Acts 3, He stood up, and instead of returning to save Israel, he ascended higher into another location. This is clearly proved by the next scripture reference,

1 Tim.6:13-16 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Here we learn from Paul, (writing to Timothy), that Jesus is in a place of light, which no man can approach, and which no man has seen, nor can see. This is a place that is different from where Stephen saw Christ. This is a place where no man can see Him. It is not the same location where Jesus was, waiting for Israel's response. With this in mind, we have to determine that Jesus had ascended higher, into a place that is beyond our comprehension and scope.

Now, in the context of this lesson, we have determined that Jesus has ascended from earth into a place, or level, expecting to soon return to earth to save Israel. Since Israel rejected Him, Jesus stood up and ascended higher to wait out the establishment and growth of the church, the Body of Christ. This position, as we will see in future posts, will become the habitation of the grace age believer. But more on that later.

It is also the place from which Jesus appeared to Saul, as he travelled the road to Damascus. Let's read the next verse to confirm this point. Paul is speaking to King Agrippa and giving an account of his vision of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry,

Acts 26:13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

Does this not sound similar to Paul's statement to Timothy, about a place where Jesus is that is filled with inapproachable light! I'll allow you the freedom to decide for yourself, but as for me, this makes sense, this adds clarity, and it lines up with the details that scriptures provide. It's also interesting that after Stephen saw Jesus, there is no more references, until John's revelation, where Jesus is seen again by men. Jesus is not seen in the clouds anymore after this, and if you are thinking about Paul's visions in 2 Cor.12, Paul is clear that he heard many unspeakable things, but he never saw Jesus...else  1 Tim.6:16 would not be true!

2 Cor.12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Just before I wrap up this post with some details on the firmament, let me remind you again regarding the reason for our focus on the ascension. The reason for putting focus on Jesus' ascension is not so much to learn what happened in it as it is to provide insights into his glorious and soon return. There is so much more to know about His return, and since it mirrors His ascension (as Acts 1:11 suggests), learning about the ascension will bolster our understanding of His return. I look forward to getting to posts about His return, as there are some incredible details to reveal to you about how Jesus' return mirrors the stages of His ascension, and clarifies points on the rapture, the last trumpet, and the resurrections. Stay tuned. 🤩

About the "waters above the firmament".

The "waters above the firmament" is the divide between the 3rd heaven and the created heavens (or universe). This divide is mentioned in Genesis, during the creation, and is of interest to understand in more detail in regards to our current topic.

The firmament, and the waters above it.

In the above image I quote Genesis 1:7-8. This scripture explains how God, during creation, made the firmament (the divide), and then divided the waters below it into two parts, the first heaven, which is the atmosphere layer of earth, and the second heaven, which is space, and all the celestial bodies within it. The "waters above the firmament, is the divide between creation and the throne of God. We get the name, "waters above the firmament", from Psalm 148:4.

This divide is seen not only in the creation of the heavens, but it also appears in other similar patterns throughout scripture. The most significant repeat of this pattern is in the design of the tabernacle in the wilderness, and the Jewish temple. In the image below we see the outer courts, then the holy place, then a divide, which in this case was a thick curtain, which separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. The firmament plays the same role in the heavens.

The wilderness tabernacle design.

One last reference to this divide, that we find in scripture, is "the crystal sea". This particular "Sea" is above the firmament (the known physical universe). It represents a firm and impassable barrier between the world of man (below) and the world of God (above).

"Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world." (John 8:22-23 KJV)

The Third Heaven is above this upper "Sea," and this higher sea is below the Throne of God:

"And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind." (Revelation 4:6 KJV)

In the next post, we will continue to the next part of Christ's ascension. Yes, there is still one more to go. After this, we will put focus on the return of Christ as he passes through the different stages of His return in the same way as He ascended.

Acts 1:11 ...Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.