As Good As Done

We all know people who are so reliable that when they say they will do something, it is as good as done. If they write you a check, it is as good as if it is already cashed. When the Apostle Paul was writing to the Ephesians about Jesus’ ascension and exaltation in heaven, he wrote this way.

After Jesus spent about 40 days with his disciples after his resurrection, he ascended up to heaven. Luke described it as if he slowly disappeared from their sight while he blessed them (Luke 24:50-53).

Paul says that Jesus was exalted to the highest place in heaven. The name that was given him at birth, the one that Gabriel told Mary to name him—Jesus, that name has been exalted above every other name (Phil 2:9-11).  Jesus has a body—the same one he was born with, although it has been glorified. He has it for all eternity. He bears in that body the marks of our redemption.

The Incarnation is what happened at the conception when the Holy Spirit planted the seed in Mary’s womb. When Christ took that same humanity to heaven, it was meant to give us hope of one day redeeming our bodies the same way. Paul says that Jesus has become "the firstfruits" of his people through his resurrection and ascension (1 Cor 15:20).

We have not experienced resurrection the way Jesus has, and we still have the same old bodies, but one day we will. Paul says our turn is coming (1 Cor 15:23). We are always glad when our turn comes, especially if we have been waiting a long time. Paul sees this as so real, that we have in a sense already ascended with Christ. To the Ephesians he describes Jesus’ exalted status as being above all rule and authority—He is above all (Eph 1:20-22).

Paul goes on to say that because Christ is exalted, “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:6). It is as if Paul says our resurrection and exaltation is as good as done. We have the check, and all that is needed is to cash it.  One day this hope will be fully realized.