The Times of Jesus
—Ancient, earthly, heavenly

1 He was Before All Things

Time: Infinite — 'from everlasting'

Jesus was God and was with God The Son of God existed before he became flesh. He was not created like the angels, but has always existed like God.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1, NASB).

"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.'" (John 8:58, NASB).

(See also Hebrews 1:8, cf Psalms 45:6, Psalms 93:2)

2 The Week of Creation

Time: 7 days — date of Creation is unknown

Through Jesus the whole cosmos exists Jesus created everything that has ever been created. He did this along with his Father and the Holy Spirit.

"All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being" (John 1:3, NASB).

"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities —all things have been created through Him and for Him. And he is before all things..." (Colossians 1:16-17 NASB).

(See also Genesis 1 & 2).

Note that Jesus originally was not included in all created things. He was the Creator who later himself became flesh

3 The Times of the Prophets

Time: Thousands of years — Creation to Christ

The Spirit of Christ was in the prophets Jesus preached to mankind through the prophets. For example, "He went and made proclamation ...during the construction of the ark", preaching through Noah to a world imprisoned in sin.

"...The prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow." (1Peter 1:10-11, NASB).

"...He went and preached to the spirits in prison who once were disobedient when the patience of God waited in the days of Noah while the ark was prepared..." (1Peter 3:19-20).

(See also Daniel 9:9-10)

4 Born Into the World

Time: 35 years — Manger to the Cross, 5BC-AD30

Jesus lived as real flesh and blood The Son of God became "incarnate" (a flesh-and-blood human being) and "dwelt for a while among us". He came to give the world light and life, and to die for the sins of the world.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV).

"In the days of his flesh... Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation;" (Hebrews 5:8-9, NASB).

(See also Philippians 2:6-8)

5 In the World of the Dead

Time: 3 days — April 7th, 8th, 9th, AD30

For a little while Jesus was in Hades Jesus, after he had suffered and died on a cross, was buried. His soul went into hades. He remained in this state during three days.

"For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption." (Acts 2:27 NASB, cf Psalms 16:10).

(See also Ephesians 4:9)

6 Resurrected and Seen by Many

Time: 40 days — Apr 9th to May 18th AD30

Jesus arose and appeared to many Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and remained in this world nearly six weeks. During this time Jesus continued to work miracles and to teach his disciples.

"He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3, NASB).

"He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures... He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve... to more than 500 brethren at once... to James... then to all the apostles... " (1Corinthians 15:4-7).

7 At the Right Hand of God

Time: nearly 2000 years — AD30 till now and continuing

Jesus was taken up into heaven Jesus ascended into heaven to the right hand of God, where he is the head of his church. He holds office as both our High Priest and King.

"Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear." (Acts 2:33, NASB).

"But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation" (Hebrews 9:11, NASB).

8 The Day of His Second Coming

Time: A future day — End of world, date unknown

Jesus will return to gather his disciples We await the second "advent" of Christ. On that Day, he will bring this world to an end and judge all mankind.

"In My Father's house are many dwelling places...I go to prepare a place for you... I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3, NASB).

"For the Lord Himself will descend... and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." (1Thessalonians 4:16-17, NASB).

(See also 2Peter 3:8-12)

9 Eternity in Heaven

Time: Infinite — 'to everlasting'

Christ’s glorious kingdom in heaven On the day that he comes, Jesus will gather up his faithful and escort them into the eternal heavenly kingdom he has prepared. They will remain there with him forever.

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20, NASB).

"But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells" (2Peter 3:13 NASB cf v.10-12).

"Then shall the King say to those on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34).

"And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4, NASB).

(See also Revelation 21 & 22)