How can belief in Jesus' ascension strengthen our faith in His promises? Setting the Scene: John 6:62 “Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before?” Why Jesus Brought Up His Ascension • The crowd struggled with His hard sayings about being the “bread of life.” • By pointing to His coming ascension, Jesus offered the ultimate proof of His heavenly origin and authority. • If He truly returns to heaven before their eyes, every word He spoke on earth stands confirmed. Promises Anchored in a Heavenly Reality 1. He came from where He is going back (John 3:13). • Because He belongs to heaven, His words carry the weight of heaven. 2. His triumph over death is public and bodily (Acts 1:9–11). • A risen, ascending Savior guarantees resurrection for all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:20–23). 3. His throne is secure (Ephesians 1:20–22). • The exalted Christ rules “far above all rule and authority,” so no promise is beyond His power to fulfill. The Gift He Sends from Above • John 16:7—“It is for your benefit that I go away.” • Acts 2:33—From the right hand of the Father He “has poured out what you now see and hear.” • The indwelling Spirit is the down payment (Ephesians 1:13–14) guaranteeing every future promise. Everything He Promised Is Now Underwritten Promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Proof: Ascended yet present through the Spirit (Matthew 28:20). Promise: “I go to prepare a place for you.” Proof: The One preparing that place is already there (John 14:2–3). Promise: “I will come again.” Proof: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back” (Acts 1:11). Living Faith Strengthened by His Ascension • Confidence in prayer—He “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34). • Boldness in witness—He promised power, and Pentecost showed He delivers (Acts 1:8; 2:4). • Steadfast hope—Our “anchor” is already “within the veil” (Hebrews 6:19–20). • Joy in worship—We join the praise around His throne (Revelation 5:11–12). Takeaway Belief in Jesus’ ascension ties every promise to a living, enthroned, and returning Lord. The One who rose high above the clouds will never let His words fall to the ground. |
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