Theology Thursday: What in heaven is Jesus doing?
Posted by Tom Watts, 22 May 2014
Next Thursday is Ascension Day and many churches will hold a service to celebrate this. What’s the big deal? Or as this article from the Churchman archives asks, 'What in heaven is Jesus doing?' David Wheaton, former Principal of Oak Hill Theological College, picks up on two doctrines that have little significance for many Christian people today: the ascension of Christ and his ‘heavenly session’ at the right hand of the Father are often eclipsed by his death, resurrection and future return. Some are confused or even embarrassed by the primitive cosmology in the description of Jesus ascending until he was hidden by a cloud. Can we believe this in an age of space travel? Jesus’ point is not to teach the literal location of heaven, says Wheaton, but to demonstrate to his followers that he has left the world. This is in contrast to other occasions following his resurrection when he simply vanished from their sight, only to reappear later.
Furthermore, Jesus’ sitting at the right hand of the Father is intended to communicate that his work is done; his day of labour is complete. Wheaton goes on to cover the implications of Jesus’ ascension and heavenly session to Trinitarian belief, Holy Communion, and the daily Christian life. He has some particularly helpful comments on the language of ‘entering the presence of God’ in many contemporary worship services, pointing out the disastrous implications not just for assurance but also for fighting temptation when God does not seem to be there. Language of Jesus ‘pleading’ before the Father is also criticised, both in Common Worship Eucharistic prayers and, closer to home for some, in the popular hymn ‘Before the Throne of God above’. Jesus is not ‘before’ but ‘beside’ God’s throne, ‘asking what he will from a Father who always hears and grants his request.’ The article concludes with application to daily living from Colossians 3. If we lose sight of Jesus seated at God’s right hand today, we will lose the motivation to put sin to death and to live the new life that Christ has won for us. So this Ascension Day, why not prepare to proclaim with gratitude and joy the glorious truth of Jesus sitting at God’s right hand today? Read it here: What in Heaven Is Jesus Doing? – Churchman 119/4 (2005): 343–56 http://churchsociety.org/docs/churchman/119/cman_119_4_wheaton.pdf
Tom Watts is Associate Vicar of St Mary's, Chesham. -
See more at: http://churchsociety.org/blog/entry/theology_thursday_what_in_heaven_is_jesus_doing#When:06:00:00Z
Posted by Tom Watts, 22 May 2014
Next Thursday is Ascension Day and many churches will hold a service to celebrate this. What’s the big deal? Or as this article from the Churchman archives asks, 'What in heaven is Jesus doing?' David Wheaton, former Principal of Oak Hill Theological College, picks up on two doctrines that have little significance for many Christian people today: the ascension of Christ and his ‘heavenly session’ at the right hand of the Father are often eclipsed by his death, resurrection and future return. Some are confused or even embarrassed by the primitive cosmology in the description of Jesus ascending until he was hidden by a cloud. Can we believe this in an age of space travel? Jesus’ point is not to teach the literal location of heaven, says Wheaton, but to demonstrate to his followers that he has left the world. This is in contrast to other occasions following his resurrection when he simply vanished from their sight, only to reappear later.
Furthermore, Jesus’ sitting at the right hand of the Father is intended to communicate that his work is done; his day of labour is complete. Wheaton goes on to cover the implications of Jesus’ ascension and heavenly session to Trinitarian belief, Holy Communion, and the daily Christian life. He has some particularly helpful comments on the language of ‘entering the presence of God’ in many contemporary worship services, pointing out the disastrous implications not just for assurance but also for fighting temptation when God does not seem to be there. Language of Jesus ‘pleading’ before the Father is also criticised, both in Common Worship Eucharistic prayers and, closer to home for some, in the popular hymn ‘Before the Throne of God above’. Jesus is not ‘before’ but ‘beside’ God’s throne, ‘asking what he will from a Father who always hears and grants his request.’ The article concludes with application to daily living from Colossians 3. If we lose sight of Jesus seated at God’s right hand today, we will lose the motivation to put sin to death and to live the new life that Christ has won for us. So this Ascension Day, why not prepare to proclaim with gratitude and joy the glorious truth of Jesus sitting at God’s right hand today? Read it here: What in Heaven Is Jesus Doing? – Churchman 119/4 (2005): 343–56 http://churchsociety.org/docs/churchman/119/cman_119_4_wheaton.pdf
Tom Watts is Associate Vicar of St Mary's, Chesham. -
See more at: http://churchsociety.org/blog/entry/theology_thursday_what_in_heaven_is_jesus_doing#When:06:00:00Z
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