How can believers today experience the "greater things" Jesus promised in John 1:51? The Promise Stated “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:51) What Makes These Things “Greater”? • The scene echoes Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28:12), but Jesus places Himself as the ladder—He is the living connection between heaven and earth. • From now on, every work of God’s kingdom flows through the risen, exalted Son of Man. • Believers participate by union with Christ and the indwelling Spirit, enabling a scope of ministry impossible before the cross and resurrection (John 14:12). Conditions for Experiencing the Greater Things 1. Union with Christ • New birth (John 3:3). • Ongoing abiding: “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you” (John 15:4). 2. Empowerment by the Spirit • Acts 1:8—power to witness. • Ephesians 1:17-19—spiritual sight to recognize heaven’s resources. 3. Obedient Faith • Simple, immediate responsiveness (John 2:5). • Trust that takes Jesus at His word before visible evidence appears. Practical Pathways to Seeing Heaven Opened • Daily Scripture intake—God’s Word primes the heart to recognize His activity (Psalm 119:18). • Persistent prayer—praying “Your kingdom come” positions us for kingdom manifestations (Matthew 6:10). • Expectant worship—praising Christ enthrones Him in our circumstances (Psalm 22:3). • Fellowship and unity—corporate agreement invites the Spirit’s power (Acts 4:31-33). • Sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings—listening, then acting, even in small nudges (Galatians 5:25). Expressions of the Greater Things Today • Miraculous confirmation of the gospel—healings, deliverances, prophetic insight (Mark 16:20). • Supernatural guidance—dreams, visions, angelic ministry (Hebrews 1:14; Acts 16:9-10). • Uncommon boldness and love—living proofs that Jesus is alive (Acts 4:13). • Massive harvest—people from every nation turning to Christ (Revelation 7:9-10). • Deepened revelation—clearer sight of Christ’s glory and purposes (2 Corinthians 3:18). Safeguards While Pursuing Greater Things • Stay anchored in Scripture; experience never overrides God’s Word. • Exalt Jesus, not the manifestations; the ladder points upward to Him. • Walk in holiness; compromised living blurs spiritual perception. • Remain submitted to a healthy local church where gifts are discerned and refined. Living with Expectation Because the Son of Man is already exalted, heaven is permanently “open” over every believer. As we abide, obey, and depend on the Spirit, we can confidently watch for angels ascending and descending—evidence that God’s kingdom is invading ordinary days with extraordinary grace. |
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