Was there ever a heavenly hope held out to God’s servants prior to the coming of Christ Jesus?

While Jesus was on earth, he clearly stated that “no man has ascended into heaven.” (John 3:13) At Pentecost, Peter likewise said of David that he “did not ascend to the heavens.” (Acts 2:34) In reality, there is nothing in the Scriptures to show that a heavenly hope was held out to God’s servants prior to the coming of Christ Jesus. Such hope first appears in Jesus’ expressions to his disciples (Mt. 19:21, 23-28; Luke 12:32)

Just examing one instance in John 14:2, 3, Jesus said that he was going to heaven to prepare a place for the apostles. That means no place existed prior to the one being prepared.



This was fully comprehended by his disciples only after Pentecost of 33 C.E. - Acts 1:6-8; 2:1-4, 29-36; Rom. 8:16, 17.

The Scriptures show that Christ Jesus was the first one to ascend from earth to the heavens of God’s presence. (1 Cor. 15:20; Heb 9:24) By such ascension and his presentation of his ransom sacrifice there, he ‘opened the way’ for those who would follow—the spirit-begotten members of his congregation. (John 14:2, 3; Heb. 6:19, 20; 10:19, 20)

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