1. Acts 3:21 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How long must Jesus remain in heaven?

Acts 3:21 (ESV)

21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

Jesus’ physical absence from earth will end at the time of the restoration of all things. At the moment he is present by his divinity whilst his human nature is in heaven reigning from the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33–34). However, when he returns in glory, believers will dwell with him on a new earth (see Revelation 21:1–8) and that will be the promised restoration.1 Jesus then remains in heaven until the time comes for his return, while the restoration of all things has begun and will continue until it is consummated at his return.2