In the Christian perspective, Jesus holds a significant role in heaven and has an immense impact on believers even in the present moment. After fulfilling His purpose of rescuing sinners and reconciling them to God, Jesus ascended into heaven. However, His work did not end there. Scripture tells us that Jesus is actively engaged in various activities on our behalf, advocating for us, interceding for us, and making preparations in heaven for our final return home.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus continues to have a crucial role in heaven and is working on behalf of believers right now.
- He acts as an advocate and intercessor, representing believers before God.
- Jesus is actively making preparations for the believers’ arrival in heaven.
- Through His work, Jesus has a profound impact on the lives and faith of believers.
- Believers are called to trust in Jesus and actively respond to His work in their lives.
Jesus’s Prominence and Power
Jesus occupies the most exalted position of influence and authority in the entire universe. As the reigning King, He holds sway over all creation, both seen and unseen. While physically absent from Earth, Jesus exercises His powerful rule from His heavenly abode.
With omnipotent authority, Jesus sees and comprehends all things, encompassing the past, present, and future. His unparalleled knowledge and understanding enable Him to strategically govern and direct the course of events according to the perfect will of the Father.
Although Jesus’s physical form may not be visible, His presence and power transcend mere corporeal existence. Stationed in the heavenly realms, Jesus actively ministers to and engages with every aspect of creation. He sustains the universe, guiding its intricate workings and upholding its very fabric.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Jesus (Matthew 28:18)
Jesus’s authority extends not only to the celestial realms but also to the hearts and lives of individuals. Through His transformative power, Jesus can make the broken whole, heal the sick, and breathe life into the spiritually dead. His authority over the forces of darkness enables Him to deliver people from bondage and bring them into the light of His glorious kingdom.
Jesus’s Influence: Touching Lives Throughout History
The impact of Jesus’s authority and influence reverberates across time and space. His teachings continue to shape and inspire countless individuals, offering hope, wisdom, and guidance. From the early disciples who were transformed by His presence to the multitudes of believers who have experienced His life-changing power, Jesus’s influence knows no bounds.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
In every generation, Jesus’s powerful message of love, grace, and redemption touches hearts and spurs lives to action. His teachings challenge societal norms, calling believers to love their neighbors, care for the marginalized, and pursue justice. The profound influence of Jesus’s teachings continues to shape the moral fabric of society and inspire acts of compassion and selflessness.
Jesus’s Intercession for Believers
Jesus, as our Great High Priest, continually intercedes for believers. He represents us in the presence of God, making requests on our behalf and pleading our case before the Father.
For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” – Hebrews 9:24
Jesus advocates for us, pointing to his work on the Cross as the basis of our amends before the Righteous Judge. He stands in the gap for us, answering to God and making amends for us. Jesus is strong for us in our weaknesses, answers for us in our failures, and provides for us in our confusion and need.
Through his intercession, Jesus brings our prayers to the Father, bridging the gap between us and God. He understands our struggles and intercedes on our behalf with love and righteousness.
Jesus as our High Priest
Jesus’s role as our High Priest is rooted in his righteousness and perfect sacrifice. He offers himself as the ultimate atonement for our sins, allowing us to approach God with confidence and assurance.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus’s intercession is an ongoing act of grace, compassion, and love. He continually represents us before God, ensuring that our prayers are heard and our needs are met.
As believers, we can find comfort and peace in knowing that Jesus, our High Priest, is interceding for us. He understands our struggles, advocates for our needs, and brings our requests to the Father. Through his intercession, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we are loved and cared for by our Great High Priest.
| Benefits of Jesus’s Intercession |
|---|
| 1. Access to the Father: Jesus’s intercession grants us direct access to God’s presence. |
| 2. Forgiveness and Restoration: Jesus pleads our case before the Father, seeking forgiveness and restoration on our behalf. |
| 3. Assurance of God’s Love and Care: Jesus’s intercession assures us of God’s love and care, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. |
| 4. Provision and Help: Jesus’s intercession provides for our needs and helps us in times of trial and confusion. |
Jesus’s Preparation for Believers’ Arrival in Heaven
Jesus eagerly anticipates the arrival of believers into glory and is actively preparing for their arrival. Our hope of Heaven in the future gives us strength in the present. While we may face brokenness, darkness, and chaos in this world, Jesus is preparing something better. Our true home is not in this world, but with Him in Heaven. Jesus has secured a welcome and permanent place for believers in the presence of God, and right now, He is actively preparing for their arrival.
Jesus’s Reign in the Present
The period in which we live is known as the “reign of Christ.” Jesus is Lord and Christ, and He reigns over all. Believers belong to the party of Jesus and are loyal to Him rather than earthly rulers. Declaring oneself a Christian is offensive to those who endorse other authorities. It signifies living under the present reign of Christ and acknowledging His authority above all else.
Our loyalty to Jesus over earthly rulers is a fundamental aspect of our faith. In a world filled with shifting powers and conflicting ideologies, we stand firm in our allegiance to the King of Kings. Jesus’s reign extends beyond any earthly kingdom, and His authority holds sway over every domain of life.
“The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed” (Psalm 2:2).
In a culture that values power, wealth, and influence, our loyalty to Jesus may come at a cost. It requires us to prioritize His teachings and values over societal norms and expectations. We are called to follow Jesus’s example of humility, sacrificial love, and servant leadership. This loyalty also shapes our attitudes towards social justice, compassion, and the pursuit of righteousness.
By pledging our loyalty to Jesus, we acknowledge that He is the ultimate authority and source of guidance in our lives. We trust in His wisdom and seek His will in every decision we make. Jesus’s reign is not limited to a specific time or place; it transcends boundaries and encompasses every aspect of our existence.
“And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man” (John 5:27).
As we navigate the complexities of life, we find comfort in knowing that Jesus is in control. In Him, we find security, peace, and hope. We can confidently face the challenges that come our way, knowing that our allegiance to Jesus transcends any temporary circumstances or earthly rulers. His reign is eternal, and His love for His people knows no bounds.
| Benefits of Loyalty to Jesus over Earthly Rulers | Scripture References |
|---|---|
| 1. Assurance of eternal salvation | John 10:28-29 |
| 2. Guidance and wisdom in decision-making | James 1:5 |
| 3. Peace that surpasses all understanding | Philippians 4:7 |
| 4. Freedom from the bondage of sin | John 8:36 |
| 5. Access to the abundant life in Christ | John 10:10 |
By remaining loyal to Jesus over earthly rulers, we align our hearts and minds with God’s kingdom. We prioritize His reign above all else and seek to bring His transformative love and grace to the world. In doing so, we participate in the ongoing work of His reign, advancing the cause of justice, mercy, and redemption.
As we navigate the challenges and complexities of the present age, let us hold fast to our loyalty to Jesus. He is the true King, the One who reigns with justice, mercy, and love. In His reign, we find purpose, hope, and eternal significance.
Jesus’s Direction of the Gospel
Jesus continues to direct the progress of the gospel, actively working to spread the message of the kingdom of God and teach about Himself. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus was intimately involved in the early church, guiding its growth and touching the lives of individuals.
“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” – Acts 9:15
One remarkable example of Jesus’s direction is the conversion of Saul, who would later become the apostle Paul. While on his way to persecute Christians, Saul encountered a blinding light from heaven and heard Jesus’s voice. Jesus directed him to go to Damascus, where he would receive further instructions. This encounter led to Saul’s conversion and the subsequent spread of the gospel to the Gentiles.
Another instance of Jesus’s direction can be seen in the conversion of Lydia, a worshiper of God in Philippi. As Paul and his companions were seeking a place to pray, Jesus opened Lydia’s heart to receive the message they shared. She believed and was baptized, becoming one of the first converts in Europe.
Throughout the book of Acts, we see Jesus’s active involvement in directing the progress of the gospel, converting individuals, and commissioning them for His work. Through His divine guidance, many hearts were opened, and the early church flourished.
| Conversion | Individual |
|---|---|
| Saul of Tarsus | Jesus’s chosen instrument to proclaim His name to the Gentiles and their kings. |
| Lydia | A worshiper of God in Philippi, whose heart was opened by Jesus to receive the message of the gospel. |
Jesus’s Role in Salvation
Jesus came into the world with a mission to save sinners and offer the gift of salvation. The benefits of the gospel extend far and wide, encompassing various aspects that transform lives and bring hope to the hopeless.
The role of Jesus in salvation is pivotal, as it involves the following:
- Regeneration: Through faith in Jesus, believers are born again, experiencing a spiritual transformation and receiving new life in Christ (John 3:3-7).
- Justification: The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross provides justification for sinners, allowing them to be counted as righteous before a holy God (Romans 3:24).
- Forgiveness of sins: By accepting Jesus as their Savior, individuals find forgiveness for their sins, as Jesus paid the price for their redemption through His shed blood (Ephesians 1:7).
- Eternal life: Salvation through Jesus grants believers the gift of eternal life, securing their place in heaven and the presence of God for all eternity (John 10:28).
- Glorification: In the future, believers will experience glorification, where they will receive glorified bodies and be fully conformed to the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:30).
It is essential to recognize that salvation is not merely a human endeavor. While human commitment and faith are necessary, it is ultimately the work of Jesus, the Savior of the World, that brings about the transformation and redemption of sinners. He is actively working in the present, saving individuals and offering the benefits of the gospel to all who believe.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
The Benefits of the Gospel
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Regeneration | New spiritual life in Christ |
| Justification | Counted as righteous before God |
| Forgiveness of sins | Cleansing and freedom from guilt |
| Eternal life | Assurance of everlasting life in heaven |
| Glorification | Conformed to the likeness of Christ |
Jesus’s Active Presence Within Believers
Believers are privileged to experience the indwelling of Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit. This divine indwelling brings about a profound transformation in their lives, as Jesus actively works within them, shaping their character and empowering their obedience.
Through the indwelling of Christ, believers receive guidance and empowerment to live according to His teachings. The presence of Jesus within them inspires and motivates them to reflect His life in their attitudes, words, and actions.
This indwelling of Christ not only transforms individual believers but also impacts their relationships with others. As believers allow Jesus to shape their character, they begin to exhibit qualities such as love, kindness, patience, and forgiveness, which reflect the character of Christ himself.
The Shaping of Character
Jesus’s active presence within believers has a profound effect on their character. As they yield to His influence, their character is gradually transformed to mirror His own. The indwelling of Christ molds believers into individuals who exhibit virtues such as humility, compassion, and integrity.
Through the presence of Jesus within them, believers are empowered to overcome their natural inclinations towards sin and selfishness. The character of Christ, manifested through the Holy Spirit, enables believers to resist temptation and live in a manner that pleases God.
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Empowering Obedience
Jesus’s active presence within believers empowers them to live in obedience to His commands. Through the indwelling of Christ, believers receive the strength and guidance to follow the teachings of Jesus and walk in His ways.
As believers yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, they are empowered to live out the principles of the Kingdom of God. They find the grace and empowerment necessary to love their enemies, forgive those who have wronged them, and serve others selflessly.
This empowerment to obedience is not based on human willpower alone but is a result of the indwelling presence of Christ. Believers can rely on His strength and guidance to live a life that honors Him, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.
In Summary
Jesus’s active presence within believers through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a remarkable privilege and source of transformation. As believers allow Jesus to shape their character and empower their obedience, they reflect His life in the world and become instruments of His love, grace, and truth.
The indwelling of Christ is not a passive experience but a dynamic relationship that continually shapes and empowers believers to live lives that glorify God and impact those around them. Through the active presence of Jesus within believers, they are able to fulfill their calling as His ambassadors, bringing the message of salvation and hope to a world in need.
| Benefits of Jesus’s Active Presence Within Believers |
|---|
| Transformation of character |
| Empowerment to live according to Jesus’s teachings |
| Reflection of Christ’s life in attitudes, words, and actions |
| Strength to resist temptation and live in obedience to God |
| Ability to love, forgive, and serve selflessly |
| Impact as ambassadors of Christ in the world |
Jesus’s Intercession and Advocacy
Jesus, our Great High Priest, fulfills a crucial role by interceding for us and advocating on our behalf. Through His intercession, He brings our prayers before the Father, presenting them with His divine authority and perfect understanding of our needs.
When we sin, Jesus acts as our advocate, standing before God as our defense attorney, making a case for our forgiveness and restoration. He points to His sacrifice on the Cross as the ultimate payment for our sins, pleading for mercy and grace on our behalf.
“If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” – 1 John 2:1b
Jesus’s intercession and advocacy are not based on our own merit or worthiness but on His righteousness and love for us. He declares our righteous standing before God, washing away our guilt and offering forgiveness to all who come to Him in repentance and faith.
Through Jesus’s intercession, our prayers are elevated and perfected, as He brings them directly to the Father. He understands our deepest desires, concerns, and struggles, and He presents them before God’s throne with compassion and wisdom.
Jesus’s intercession and advocacy give us confidence and assurance that our prayers are heard and that God’s grace is extended to us. We can approach God with boldness, knowing that Jesus stands beside us, speaking on our behalf.
In moments of weakness, temptation, and doubt, we can find comfort and strength in Jesus’s intercession and advocacy. He is always interceding for us, ensuring that we receive the mercy and grace we need to overcome sin and grow in our relationship with God.
Jesus’s Evaluation of Church Life
Jesus, as the head of the church, evaluates and assesses the life of the church, closely examining its works, endurance, and love. In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses different churches, highlighting their strengths and rebuking their weaknesses. Through these evaluations, Jesus holds the church accountable for its actions and behaviors, encouraging them to address and rectify any areas of concern.
“I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance… But I have this against you… Repent and do the works you did at first.” – Jesus (Revelation 2:2-5)
Jesus’s evaluations serve as a call to action for the church, reminding them of their initial love and faithfulness. It is a reminder to return to the core principles and teachings of the faith, refocusing on the love and devotion they had when they first encountered Jesus. By addressing church behavior and holding the church accountable, Jesus guides and challenges believers to continually grow in their relationship with Him and live out their faith authentically.
The Importance of Church Accountability
Church accountability is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the church. Jesus’s evaluations highlight the significance of self-reflection and correction within the body of believers. By addressing areas of weakness and commendable actions, Jesus provides a roadmap for the church to align itself with His teachings and fulfill its purpose.
Through His evaluations, Jesus emphasizes the need for the church to remain faithful, unified, and committed to the mission of spreading His love and transforming lives. It is a reminder that the church is not exempt from scrutiny or responsibility, but rather is called to be a reflection of Jesus’s character in all its actions and interactions.
Addressing Church Behavior
Jesus’s evaluation of church life urges believers to address any behaviors that deviate from His teachings. It serves as a call to maintain a Christ-centered focus and strive for authenticity in faith. The evaluations highlight both the areas of strength to be celebrated and the areas that require improvement and repentance.
By addressing church behavior, Jesus encourages believers to let go of any complacency, hypocrisy, or lukewarmness that may have crept into their lives. It is an opportunity for self-reflection and renewal, prompting the church to align itself with Jesus’s standards of love, grace, and righteousness.
Ultimately, Jesus’s evaluation of church life demonstrates His deep care and concern for His body of believers. It is a reminder that He is actively involved in the life of the church and supports its growth and transformation. By heeding His evaluations and taking action, the church can strive towards greater unity, spiritual maturity, and effectiveness in fulfilling its purpose.
Believers Reflecting Jesus in the World
Believers have the profound responsibility of representing Jesus and reflecting His life in every aspect of their existence. They are called to be His ambassadors, demonstrating His love, grace, and truth to the world around them. By aligning their work, attitudes, words, and behavior with the teachings of Jesus, believers can authentically bear witness to His transformative power.
Just as Jesus is actively working in the world, believers should actively live out their faith, shining the light of Christ in their daily lives. This means embodying His compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness in their interactions with others. It means demonstrating integrity, humility, and integrity in their professional endeavors. It means using their words to impart encouragement, wisdom, and truth.
When believers reflect Jesus in the world, they become living testimonies of His redeeming work. They become agents of change, catalysts for healing, and instruments of reconciliation. Through their actions, they can demonstrate the power and relevance of the gospel in today’s society.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Believers serve as representatives of Jesus, showcasing His life to those who may not yet know Him. Their faith should be evident in how they treat others, handle challenges, and make decisions. Just as Jesus exemplified love, compassion, and selflessness during His earthly ministry, believers should strive to do the same.
| Ways Believers Can Reflect Jesus in the World |
|---|
| 1. Practicing kindness and empathy |
| 2. Forgiving others as Christ forgave |
| 3. Standing for justice and righteousness |
| 4. Sharing the hope and truth of the gospel |
| 5. Serving those in need with humility |
| 6. Building genuine relationships |
When believers faithfully reflect Jesus’s life, they honor Him and embody the very essence of Christianity. They have the opportunity to impact lives, inspire change, and draw others to a personal relationship with Jesus. By reflecting His character and teachings, believers can contribute to the building of God’s kingdom on earth.
As believers earnestly strive to reflect Jesus, they rely on the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Spirit’s work within them that they are transformed and enabled to mirror Jesus’s life. By surrendering to the Spirit’s leading and relying on His power, believers can faithfully fulfill their role as representatives of Jesus in the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus is actively involved in the lives of believers and working on their behalf in the present. Although we may not physically see Him, we can experience His presence through the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. Through His intercession and advocacy, Jesus represents us before the Father, making requests on our behalf and pleading our case. He assures us of our position of righteousness, forgiveness, and grace.
Additionally, Jesus is preparing for our arrival in heaven, eagerly anticipating the moment when we will be united with Him in glory. Our faith in action, our response to Jesus’s present work, involves actively living out our faith and reflecting His life in the world. As we wait in hope, we are called to be His representatives, pointing others to Him and showcasing the transforming power of Christ in our lives.
Ultimately, we can find assurance and comfort in the fact that Jesus reigns over all, directs the progress of the gospel, saves sinners, intercedes for us, and evaluates the life of the Church. His present work is a testament to His love, care, and commitment to His followers. As believers, our faith in action is a response to His continuous work in our lives, bringing glory to His name and bringing others into a relationship with Him.
FAQ
What is Jesus doing right now?
Jesus is currently in Heaven, actively working on behalf of believers. He is interceding for us, advocating for us, and making preparations for our arrival in Heaven.
What is Jesus’s prominence and power?
Jesus holds the most prominent position of influence and authority in the universe. His power is not lacking in his physical absence but is rooted in His heavenly position.
What is Jesus’s intercession for believers?
Jesus, as our Great High Priest, continually intercedes for believers. He represents us in the presence of God, making requests on our behalf and pointing to His work on the Cross as the basis of our amends before God.
How is Jesus preparing for believers’ arrival in Heaven?
Jesus is actively preparing for believers’ arrival in Heaven. He has secured a place for us in the presence of God and is making arrangements for our final return home.
What is the “reign of Christ”?
The “reign of Christ” refers to the period in which we live, where Jesus holds the ultimate authority and believers pledge their loyalty to Him over earthly rulers.
How does Jesus direct the progress of the gospel?
Jesus continues to direct the progress of the gospel. He converts individuals, commissions them for His work, and opens hearts to receive Him.
What is Jesus’s role in salvation?
Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Salvation encompasses various benefits, including regeneration, justification, forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and glorification.
How is Jesus actively present within believers?
Jesus resides within believers through the Holy Spirit, shaping their character and empowering their obedience to live according to His teachings.
How does Jesus intercede and advocate for believers?
Jesus brings our prayers before the Father, intercedes on our behalf, and acts as our advocate when we sin, pleading our case before God based on His sacrifice on the Cross.
How does Jesus evaluate church life?
In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses different churches, highlighting their strengths and rebuking their weaknesses. He holds the church accountable for its actions and encourages faithfulness.
How should believers reflect Jesus in the world?
Believers are called to reflect the life of Jesus in their work, attitudes, words, and behavior. They serve as His representatives, pointing others to Him and showcasing His transforming power.
What is the significance of Jesus’s present work?
Jesus is actively working on behalf of believers in the present. Though we may not physically see Him, we can trust His presence through the Holy Spirit and respond by living out our faith and reflecting His life in the world.
Source Links
- https://jasonjohnsonblog.com/blog/three-things-jesus-is-doing-right-now
- https://www.christianity.com/jesus/death-and-resurrection/ascension/what-is-jesus-doing-now.html
- https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-is-jesus-doing-now/
I’m Benjamin, a passionate spiritual seeker and creator of Verses and Prayers. Alongside my girlfriend Emma and our pet lizard Mulle, I cherish family life, enjoy exploring new places, and am deeply involved in my church community. My love for reading and singing biblical verses inspires every aspect of my journey.