Doctrine of the Ascension Part 1

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The doctrine of the Ascension: Jesus ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father.

The doctrine of the Ascension teaches that, after His resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. This event is essential to understanding Christ’s glorification, His ongoing priestly ministry, and His future return in glory.

1. Biblical Foundation

The primary account of the Ascension is found in Acts 1:9-11, where, after instructing His disciples, “He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” Two angels then assure the disciples, “this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” This passage affirms the physical, visible nature of Christ’s ascension.

Further, Mark 16:19 states, “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” This seating at God’s right hand is symbolic of Christ’s authority and His reign over all creation.

2. Christ’s Exaltation and Authority

The Ascension marks the final step in Christ’s earthly ministry and the beginning of His exaltation. By ascending to the Father, Jesus returned to the glory He had before the incarnation. As Philippians 2:9-11 declares, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

This exaltation underscores that Christ now reigns with full authority. As Ephesians 1:20-22 tells us, God “set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named…and hath put all things under His feet.” His position at the Father’s right hand signifies His sovereign rule over the church and the world.

3. Christ’s Ongoing Ministry

While seated at the right hand of the Father, Christ is not passive. Rather, He serves as the High Priest for believers, continually interceding on their behalf. Hebrews 7:25 explains, “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” This role of Christ as intercessor provides believers with confidence that He represents them before the Father, securing their eternal salvation.

Moreover, Christ’s priestly ministry assures the believer of ongoing access to God. Romans 8:34 says, “It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Because of Christ’s ascended position, believers can approach God with boldness, knowing their prayers are heard through Jesus.

4. The Promise of Christ’s Return

The Ascension is also linked to the promise of Christ’s future return. Just as Jesus was taken up into heaven, He will one day return in the same manner, as the angels declared in Acts. This second coming will not be as a humble servant but as the reigning King and Judge.

John 14:2-3 reveals that part of the purpose of the Ascension was to prepare a place for believers: “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.” This promise encourages believers to live in expectation of His return and the fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

5. Practical Implications for Believers

The doctrine of the Ascension assures believers of several important truths. First, it confirms the completion of Christ’s redemptive work. His ascension proves that His sacrificial death and resurrection were accepted by the Father, granting believers the assurance of salvation.

Secondly, it gives believers confidence in Christ’s ongoing presence and ministry. Although Jesus is no longer physically present on earth, He promised, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Through the Holy Spirit, believers experience the presence of Christ daily.

Finally, the Ascension calls believers to focus their hearts and minds on eternal things. Colossians 3:1-2 exhorts, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” This heavenly-mindedness encourages believers to live in light of Christ’s reign and the coming kingdom.

In conclusion, the Ascension of Jesus Christ demonstrates His exaltation, the continuation of His intercessory work, and His authority over all creation. For believers, it provides both assurance of salvation and a hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return in glory.

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