Where is Jesus now physically or spiritually? What scriptures support this?

This can be a confusing subject as is evident from the following scriptures: John 14:2-3 “In my Father's house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  Compare with Matthew 28:20, “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”  The question then becomes how can he be both “with us” and gone “preparing a place for us” at the same time?

Even more confounding, Revelation 1:7 states that when Jesus returns “every eye shall see him.” Yet the angels that were present when Jesus left in the cloud told the disciples they should not stand there gazing into the sky… saying that Jesus would return in the same manner as they saw him leave. (Acts 1:11)  Since only a few saw him leave, only a few would see him return. This concept is reaffirmed in 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Our Lord would return “like a thief in the night” meaning quietly, unobserved by the masses, but known to the watchers. 

The purpose of our Lord’s second advent is that He comes to establish His kingdom. When people “see” this evil order being demolished, they will eventually recognize that it is Jesus who is destroying the old to establish His rule. “…upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:25-27.

Mankind will not see Jesus with their literal eyes: “Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me,” John 14:19.  How do we see Jesus? Christians see Jesus through His directions in our hearts and lives. By faith, we come to realize, “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28. In the same way, eventually “every eye will see him” not with the physical eye, but with the eyes of their understanding.

Both physically and spiritually Jesus is in heaven, and he will still be there after his return, just like he is always at the right hand of the father… Think more of his return as when he begins to do a different work than when he was away.  The different work is well stated in Acts 15:14-16, “…God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up.” This makes it clear then that He has returnedbecause we see the ruins of Israel being set up. (This is a citation of Amos 9:11-15.)

Is God calling me?

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” Eph. 1:18.   If you are truly looking to follow Jesus and serve God, God will manifest Himself to you through 1. opening your understanding of the Bible, 2. answering your prayers, 3. providentially directing your experiences, and 4. deepening your longing to walk with Him.

First, you will begin to understand deep Bible truths more clearly. People cannot comprehend God’s word because these doctrines are foolishness to the natural man. “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction!…the world would never know him through human wisdom…” 1 Cor. 1:18, 21. Only God can open your eyes to spiritual truths.

You will find your prayers are being answered. “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” The answers may not be when and what you expect, but you will know when you receive an answer.  And you will feel His tender care.

You will find doors opening and closing which will help you to choose the right path. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psa. 37:31. Righteous opportunities will unfold in your life. Doors to poor choices will shut. God will use His Word (the Bible) and other Christians to help you comprehend His loving and wonderful leadings in your life.

Finally, you will experience a deep yearning to walk to God. Those worldly pleasures you once enjoyed will lose their appeal. When you participate in fleshly activities, you will feel a longing for the righteous, the holy, the pure. And when you hear God’s word and have holy fellowship, you will feel uplifted and satisfied. “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” James 4:8.

Then you will need to decide if you want to commit your life to God or not. If you choose to commit to God, you must commit fully. Your walk will be very challenging but very, very rewarding. Jesus said, “If  any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24) A Christian’s walk is one of self-sacrifice. But if you faithfully commit yourself to prayer, study, and service to others, you will find truth and be transformed into Christlikeness. Ephesians 4:1-3 tells us that we must “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Additionally, God will help you every step of the way with His Holy Spirit. John tells us in John 14:16, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another helper, that He may be with you forever.” And in Hebrews 13:6, “So we may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What shall man do unto me?’”

I want to know the meaning of Revelation 7:1 -8. Does it mean that only Israelites are chosen to be the 144.000?

The full number of the elect church could have been from the nation of Israel. (Exod. 19:5, 6), but Rom. 11:7 tells us that the nation failed in their faithfulness. “What then? What Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened…”

The call to be in the Church was opened up to the Gentiles. Rom. 11:25-33 elaborates on this, “…I do not want you to be ignorant…my brothers (in Christ),…Israel has experienced a hardening  in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in…” 

The book of Revelation is full of symbols, and this passage is no different. Here, the twelve tribes of Israel are symbolic of the complete Church class. You will find this to be consistent throughout the book of Revelation.