Topical Encyclopedia The Ascension of Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the conclusion of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry and His return to the Father in heaven. This event is recorded in several passages of the New Testament, most notably in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, as well as in the Acts of the Apostles.Biblical Accounts 1. Mark 16:19 : "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God." This succinct account in the Gospel of Mark emphasizes the exaltation of Christ, highlighting His divine authority and His position at the right hand of God, a place of honor and power. 2. Luke 24:50-51 : "When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven." Luke provides a more detailed narrative, describing Jesus blessing His disciples before being taken up into heaven. This blessing signifies the continuation of His care and authority over His followers even after His physical departure. 3. Acts 1:9-11 : "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 account in Acts provides additional context, including the presence of two angels who assure the disciples of Christ's eventual return. The cloud that conceals Jesus is often interpreted as a symbol of divine presence, reminiscent of the Shekinah glory in the Old Testament. Theological Significance The Ascension is not merely a physical departure but a transition to a new mode of existence for Christ. It signifies the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of His heavenly ministry. By ascending, Christ fulfills His promise to send the Holy Spirit, as noted in John 16:7 : "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 Ascension also affirms the divinity of Christ, as He returns to the Father, and it establishes His role as the eternal High Priest and intercessor for humanity. 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." Implications for Believers For believers, the Ascension is a source of hope and assurance. It confirms the promise of Christ's return and the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom. The event encourages Christians to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the heavenly realities and the mission entrusted to them by Christ. As Colossians 3:1-2 exhorts, "Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." The Ascension of Christ remains a cornerstone of Christian faith, underscoring the continuity of Christ's presence and power in the life of the Church and the world. 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 Cannot be Proved from Scripture, that Believers under the Old ... The Ascension of Christ The King on his Throne. The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ... The Last Siege of the Jews after Christ. The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration. The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 1 Introduction The Propagation of Christianity. The Spirit Christ's Witness. Resources What are the Holy Days of Obligation? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the twelve (12) disciples / apostles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Acts - Bible Survey | 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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