Topical Encyclopedia The Ascension of ChristThe ascension of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the conclusion of His earthly ministry and His return to the Father. This event is notably accompanied by the presence and proclamation of angels, who serve as divine messengers to the disciples. The account of the ascension is primarily found in the Book of Acts: In Acts 1:9-11 , it is recorded: "After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.'" The "two men dressed in white" are understood to be angels, who provide assurance and prophecy to the disciples. Their message confirms the physical and visible nature of Jesus' ascension and promises His return in a similar manner. This angelic announcement underscores the continuity of Jesus' mission and the hope of His second coming. The Second Coming of Christ The second coming of Christ is a central tenet of Christian eschatology, anticipated as the time when Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom. Angels are again depicted as key figures in the events surrounding this future occurrence. In Matthew 24:30-31 , Jesus Himself describes the role of angels in His return: "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." Here, angels are portrayed as agents of divine order, tasked with gathering the elect, signifying their integral role in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The imagery of angels accompanying Christ emphasizes the majesty and authority of His return. Furthermore, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 , the apostle Paul reiterates the involvement of angels: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." The "voice of an archangel" highlights the authoritative and commanding presence of angels in the eschatological events, serving as heralds of the Lord's return and the resurrection of believers. Conclusion The presence of angels in the announcements of both the ascension and the second coming of Christ serves to affirm the divine nature of these events. As messengers and agents of God, angels provide assurance, prophecy, and order, reinforcing the hope and expectation of Christ's return in glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 1:11Which also said, You men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus. The Second Epistle of St. Peter Definitive Form of the Ideas of Jesus Respecting the Kingdom of ... His Future Work Christ God his Own Interpreter. Light through Darkness Light through Darkness. To John the Oeconomus. General Index. Resources Questions about Angels & Demons (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of angels? | GotQuestions.org Do angels appear to people today? | GotQuestions.org Angels: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Angels are Examples of Meekness Angels are Ministering Spirits Angels are of Different Orders Angels: Announced: The Ascension and Second Coming of Christ Angels: Announced: The Birth of Christ Angels: Announced: The Conception of Christ Angels: Announced: The Conception of John the Baptist Angels: Announced: The Resurrection of Christ Angels: Celebrate the Praises of God Angels: Communicate the Will of God and Christ Angels: Created by God and Christ Angels: Execute the Judgments of God Angels: Execute the Purposes of God Angels: Have Charge Over the Children of God Angels: Know and Delight in the Gospel of Christ Angels: Ministration of, Obtained by Prayer Angels: Rejoice Over Every Repentant Sinner Angels: Shall Attend Christ at his Second Coming Angels: Shall Execute the Purposes of Christ Angels: The Law Given by the Ministration of Angels: Worship God and Christ Related Terms |
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