How does "taken up in glory" inspire hope for your eternal future? Taken Up in Glory—Our Anchor of Hope “By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” A Real Ascension to a Real Heaven - “Taken up in glory” describes a literal, bodily ascent (Acts 1:9). - Jesus entered the heavenly realm just as truly as He walked the earth—confirming every promise (Luke 24:51). - “Christ… entered heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf” (Hebrews 9:24). Our Future Is Tied to His Present Position - Union with Christ means His story defines ours: • “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). • “But each in his own turn: Christ the firstfruits; then, at His coming, those who belong to Him” (1 Corinthians 15:23). - Philippians 3:20–21 lays it out: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who… will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.” The Ascended Christ Is Actively Securing Our Eternity - “He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). - Because He is in glory: • Every accusation meets His living intercession. • Your inheritance is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). - Hope rests on His ongoing ministry, not on personal performance. His Departure Guarantees His Return - Acts 1:11 promises: “This same Jesus… will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” - John 14:2–3 adds purpose: He left to prepare a place and will “come back and welcome you into My presence.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 shows the moment we join Him forever. - Hope is anchored to a dated past event (Ascension) and a scheduled future event (Second Coming). Living Today in the Light of Glory - Colossians 3:1–4 urges: “Since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God… When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” - Practical takeaways: • Set priorities by heaven’s values, not earth’s applause. • Face suffering with assurance—“our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). • Serve boldly; your labor “in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58) because eternity is certain. Summary - “Taken up in glory” is the foundation of Christian hope. - His ascension verifies His victory, secures our salvation, guarantees our resurrection, and promises His return. - Because He is there, we will be there—and that future fuels faithful, joyful living right now. |
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