Topical Encyclopedia The "Cloud of Glory" is a significant biblical motif representing the divine presence and majesty of God. It is often associated with God's guidance, protection, and revelation to His people. One of the most profound appearances of the Cloud of Glory occurs at the ascension of Jesus Christ, marking a pivotal moment in Christian theology.Biblical Account of the Ascension The ascension of Jesus is recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of forty days, speaking to them about the kingdom of God. The culmination of these post-resurrection appearances is His ascension into heaven. In Acts 1:9 , it is written: "After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight." This cloud is not merely a natural phenomenon but is understood as the Cloud of Glory, symbolizing the divine presence that envelops Jesus as He returns to the Father. Theological Significance The Cloud of Glory at the ascension signifies several key theological truths: 1. Divine Approval and Exaltation: The cloud represents God's approval of Jesus' earthly ministry and His exaltation to the right hand of the Father. It echoes the divine affirmation seen at the Transfiguration, where a bright cloud overshadowed Jesus, and a voice from the cloud declared, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 17:5). 2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The ascension fulfills Old Testament prophecies and typologies concerning the Messiah's exaltation. The cloud recalls the Shekinah glory that filled the tabernacle and temple, signifying God's dwelling among His people (Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11). 3. Promise of Return: The presence of the cloud at the ascension also points forward to the promise of Christ's return. As the disciples gazed intently into the sky, two angels appeared and said, "Men of Galilee, 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" (Acts 1:11). The cloud thus becomes a symbol of hope and expectation for the Second Coming. 4. Heavenly Intercession: The ascension marks the beginning of Christ's heavenly ministry as our High Priest and intercessor. The cloud signifies His entry into the heavenly sanctuary, where He continually intercedes for believers (Hebrews 7:25). Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, clouds were often associated with divine presence and activity. In the biblical narrative, clouds frequently accompany theophanies, or visible manifestations of God, such as at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:9) and during the wilderness wanderings (Exodus 13:21-22). The use of a cloud in the ascension narrative would have resonated with the Jewish understanding of God's glory and presence. Conclusion The Cloud of Glory at Christ's ascension is a profound symbol of divine presence, approval, and promise. It encapsulates the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to His exalted heavenly role, while also pointing forward to His promised return. This event, witnessed by the apostles, serves as a cornerstone of Christian hope and eschatological expectation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 1:9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Index. From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus. Mount Zion. On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ... Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It. Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... Memoir of John Bunyan The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Resources What is a glory cloud? Is a glory cloud biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night signify? (Exodus 13:21-22) | GotQuestions.org Who are "the cloud of witnesses" mentioned in Hebrews 12:1? | GotQuestions.org Cloud: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cloud of Glory was Dark to the Enemies of Israel Cloud of Glory was Designed to Cover the Tabernacle Cloud of Glory was Designed to Defend Israel Cloud of Glory was Designed to Guide Israel Cloud of Glory was Designed to Regulate the Movements of Israel Cloud of Glory was Designed to Show Light to Israel Cloud of Glory was the Shekinah Over the Mercy-Seat Cloud of Glory: Called: Cloud of the Lord Cloud of Glory: Called: Cloudy Pillar Cloud of Glory: Called: Pillar of Cloud and Pillar of Fire Cloud of Glory: Called: The Cloud Cloud of Glory: Called: The Presence of God Cloud of Glory: Continued During the Journeyings of Israel Cloud of Glory: First Manifestation of Cloud of Glory: God Came Down In Cloud of Glory: God Spoke From Cloud of Glory: God's Glory Manifested In Cloud of Glory: Manifested in the Temple of Solomon Cloud of Glory: Our Lord Shall Make his Second Appearance In Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At Christ's Ascension Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At Christ's Transfiguration Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At Giving of the Law Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At Sedition of Aaron and Miriam Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At the Murmuring for Bread Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At the Murmuring of Israel on Account of Korah's Death Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At the Murmuring of Israel on the Report of the Spies Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At the Rebellion of Korah Cloud of Glory: The Glory of Christ Cloud of Glory: The Protection of the Church Cloud: Appearances of in Ezekiel's Vision Related Terms |
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