Topical Encyclopedia The Ascension of Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the moment when Jesus Christ, after His resurrection, was taken up into heaven. This event is not only significant as a demonstration of Christ's divine authority and fulfillment of prophecy but also as a precursor and promise for His followers. The Ascension is recorded in several New Testament passages, most notably in Acts 1:9-11, where it is described: "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.'" Theological Significance The Ascension signifies the completion of Christ's earthly ministry and His exaltation at the right hand of God. It is a testament to His victory over sin and death, affirming His divine nature and the acceptance of His sacrificial work. Hebrews 4:14 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess." This passage underscores Christ's role as the eternal High Priest, interceding on behalf of His people. Christ as the Forerunner In His Ascension, Christ acts as the forerunner for His people, preparing a place for them in the heavenly realms. John 14:2-3 records Jesus' promise: "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am." This assurance provides believers with hope and a future expectation of eternal life with Christ. The Promise of the Holy Spirit The Ascension also paved the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised His disciples that the Advocate would come after He had gone to the Father. In John 16:7, Jesus explains, "But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith and continue the mission of the Church. The Hope of Christ's Return The Ascension is intrinsically linked to the promise of Christ's return. The angelic message in Acts 1:11 assures the disciples that Jesus will return in the same manner as He ascended. This promise is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, providing hope and motivation for believers to live in anticipation of His second coming. Implications for Believers The Ascension of Christ as the forerunner of His people has profound implications for Christian life and doctrine. It assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life with Christ. As stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, "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 be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord." This passage highlights the hope and assurance that the Ascension provides to all who trust in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 6:20Where the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ... And his Forerunner was John the Baptist, who Prepared and Made ... Cannot be Proved from Scripture, that Believers under the Old ... The Translation of Elijah and the Ascension of Christ The Ascension of Messiah to Glory Things Omitted from John's Gospel. From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus. Index. What is the Sanctuary? The Doctrine of Jesus Christ. Resources How did Isaiah die? | GotQuestions.orgHow long was Jesus' ministry? | GotQuestions.org What were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 3) | GotQuestions.org Ascension: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Ascension of Christ was to Supreme Power and Dignity The Ascension of Christ was Triumphant The Ascension of Christ: As the Forerunner of his People The Ascension of Christ: Described The Ascension of Christ: Foretold by Himself The Ascension of Christ: Forty Days After his Resurrection The Ascension of Christ: from Mount Olivet The Ascension of Christ: His Second Coming Shall be in Like Manner As The Ascension of Christ: Prophecies Respecting The Ascension of Christ: To Intercede The Ascension of Christ: To Prepare a Place for his People The Ascension of Christ: To Receive Gifts for Men The Ascension of Christ: To Send the Holy Spirit The Ascension of Christ: Typified The Ascension of Christ: when he had Atoned for Sin The Ascension of Christ: While Blessing his Disciples Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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