“And no man hath ascended up to heaven,
but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.”
(John 3:13)
These words in John 3 direct our attention to the glory of Christ and the great salvation He purchased for His people. For the Son of God who came down to earth from heaven and then returned there in triumph is the only One who can bring sinners into heaven with Him.
Christ came from the Father, took our nature upon Himself, accomplished redemption, and ascended again into glory. Because He is there, all who are united to Him by faith shall one day be with Him there also.
This is one of the great wonders of divine grace. Adam was created for an earthly paradise. Had he remained obedient, he would have enjoyed a blessed estate on earth under the light of God’s favor. But through Christ, believers receive something infinitely greater. They are brought into the very presence of God and made partakers of heavenly glory.[1]
Moreover, the gospel does not just restore what was lost in Eden. Through union with Christ, sinners are brought into fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. They are made heirs of a kingdom that cannot be shaken and are given a place in the heavenly Jerusalem.
This should fill us with adoration. The Son of God left the glory of heaven to rescue those who had no claim on heaven at all. He came to seek and save the lost. He took on Himself our nature, bore our sins, and thereby opened the way into the Father’s presence.
The greatness of our salvation is measured by the greatness of the place to which Christ brings us. We are not only delivered from judgment; we are brought near to God. We are not simply pardoned; we are adopted as sons and daughters and given an inheritance with Christ Himself.
The enemy sought the destruction of mankind, but God overruled all things for His own glory. Through Christ’s redemption, believers are brought into the heavenly glory that Satan himself forfeited through his rebellion. The very ones he sought to destroy are exalted because of God’s amazing love and grace.
And how wonderful is the wisdom of God! The devil intended ruin, but God ordained redemption. Sin brought misery into the world, but the grace of Christ brings His people into everlasting joy and fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
So let us turn our minds and hearts homeward, for our true home is not here. Our Savior is in heaven, our inheritance is in heaven, and our citizenship is in heaven.
He who came down from heaven has opened heaven to sinners. And because He returned there as our forerunner, all who trust in Him may look forward with faith to that day when they shall dwell forever in His presence.
Contemplations:
- Wondering at the Grace of Christ. I often forget how great my salvation truly is. Christ did not just improve my condition; He rescued me from ruin and brought me near to God. The more I am reminded that the Son of God came from heaven for sinners like me, the more I am filled with gratitude and amazement.
- Remembering My True Home. I can become easily attached to the things of this world. Yet this passage reminds me that my inheritance is above. My Savior is in heaven, so I should live as a pilgrim whose eyes are fixed on a far better country.
- Rejoicing In Union with Christ. I have no claim on heaven in myself. My only confidence is that I belong to Christ and that He has united me to Himself. Because He is in heaven, I have the sure promise that I too will be with Him forever.
- Resting In God’s Perfect Wisdom. There are many things I do not understand in God’s providence, yet this passage reminds me that He brings glory out of ruin and triumph out of defeat. Even the schemes of Satan cannot overturn His purposes. This gives me faith to trust Him in every circumstance.
Prayer (Adoration):
Most glorious God, I praise You for the greatness of Your wisdom and the riches of Your grace. I adore You for sending Your beloved Son from heaven to seek and save lost sinners. I marvel that He who dwells in everlasting glory humbled Himself to take our nature and redeem His people.
Lord Jesus, I worship You as the only way to the Father. There is no entrance into heaven apart from You and no hope of eternal life except through Your saving work. You came down from heaven, fulfilled all righteousness, suffered in the place of sinners, and returned in triumph to the glory that is Yours.
I praise You that You have opened heaven to all who trust in You. I praise You that through Your grace I am not left in my sin or confined to earthly hopes, but am given an inheritance that is incorruptible and eternal.
How great is Your love that You bring sinners into fellowship with God Himself. You have prepared a place for Your people and promised that where You are, there they shall be also. I adore You for such mercy and for such a glorious hope.
Keep my heart fixed on heavenly things. Teach me to live as one whose treasure is above and whose Savior reigns in glory. And let the hope of heaven strengthen my faith, grow my love, and stir my worship.
To You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all praise, honor, and glory forever and ever.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
John 6:38; Acts 2:34; Prov. 30:4; Eph. 4:9
[1] Jonathan Edwards, The “Miscellanies”: (Entry Nos. 501-832), ed. Ava Chamberlain and Harry S. Stout, vol. 18, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2000), 514-515.
