The context of the following scripture is Peter’s sermon at Pentecost Acts 2:29,34 (KJV), 29 “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. … 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens…” Thus, Peter was saying that David was still dead and not in heaven.
Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11 (NKJV)
Hebrews 11 is a wonderful chapter honoring a few of the many faithful Old Testament people. But the chapter ends with verses 39-40, “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us (a heavenly resurrection), that they without us should not be made perfect (perfect human beings).”
Why will these “ancient worthies not receive a heavenly resurrection? Because before Jesus died on the cross, satisfied justice, and provided a way to redemption, no one could be forgiven of their sins and be begotten of the Holy Spirit. (Even the apostles had to wait until Pentecost before they were spirit begotten.) Paul calls this high, heavenly calling a “new and living way.” “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” Hebrews 10:19-20 (KJV).
Paul also wrote, “who saved us and called us to a holy calling…which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Timothy 1:9-10 (ESV).
In the earthly phase of Christ’s kingdom, these faithful people will be leaders on the earth. Isaiah 1:26 (NKJV), “I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.” Ezekiel 37:25-27 (NKJV), 25 “Then they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob My servant, where your fathers dwelt; and they shall dwell there, they, their children, and their children’s children, forever; and My servant David (David means “Beloved,” and this refers to Christ) shall be their prince forever. 26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them, and it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary in their midst forevermore. 27 My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people.