One of the foundational teachings in Evangelical Christianity, is that Paradise was emptied of believers at the ascension of Christ.
As the church is to be the pillar and ground of the truth, we should test this theory to see if it is true. 1Ti 3:15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
There are two clear markers, which we must account for, in determining if paradise was actually emptied at the ascension of Christ, or perhaps it is actually not true.
If it is found to be not true; then no one has gone to heaven when they die, and paradise has not been emptied. We have been told a lie; and tell lies!
The first marker: Jn 3:13 “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.
Here, Jesus who is God who cannot lie, makes a completely clear statement, that no one other than Him has ascended to heaven. This statement then provides a timeline that to the point in which Jesus said this, no one has ascended into heaven.
The second Marker: Acts 2:34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand.
At a glance, this statement is harmless to the point in question. However, let us consider a number of key details, and align them to the claim that paradise was emptied at the ascension of Christ.
1. Christ’s ascension took place a full ten days prior to this day which was the day of Pentecost.
2. Peter proclaims that Jesus is the one referred to in Ps 16, and not King David. Ps 16:10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 31 “he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.
32 “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.
33 “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
Now, the condemning evidence: Acts 2:34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand,
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost declares that David did not ascend into the Heavens.
Two possibilities are now before us with the markers presented. The first consideration could be that David was not a believer, and therefore was not taken out of Paradise at the ascension of Christ, or the other consideration is that Paradise was not actually emptied as proclaimed far and wide in evangelical teaching. Don’t forget that David is listed in the hall of Faith in Heb 11.
Saints, we have been sold a bill of goods. Our loved ones are not in Heaven looking down on us, nor have they gone to their reward, as that will be brought with the Lord at His coming. Re 22:12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.
This is a tragedy of monumental proportion, and those who teach this lie, will be held to stricter Judgement. Jas 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
We should deeply repent for such a travesty of error, rather than speaking the truth; as the church is the pillar and ground of the truth!
Dave