Topical Encyclopedia The Ascension of Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the moment when Jesus Christ was taken up into heaven following His resurrection. This event was not only a significant turning point in the narrative of the New Testament but was also foretold by Christ Himself during His earthly ministry. The foretelling of His ascension underscores the divine plan and purpose of His mission on earth, as well as His eternal reign.Foretelling in the Gospels Throughout the Gospels, Jesus alludes to His ascension, preparing His disciples for the time when He would no longer be physically present with them. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks explicitly about His return to the Father. In John 6:62, He poses a rhetorical question to His disciples: "Then what will happen if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before?" . This statement not only anticipates His ascension but also affirms His pre-existence and divine origin. In John 14:2-3, Jesus comforts His disciples with the promise of preparing a place for them: "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" . Here, Jesus indicates His departure and return, pointing to His ascension and the eventual gathering of believers to Himself. The Promise of the Holy Spirit Another significant aspect of Jesus' foretelling of His ascension is His promise of the Holy Spirit. In John 16:7, Jesus explains the necessity of His departure: "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" . This promise highlights the continuation of His work through the Holy Spirit, who would empower and guide the disciples after Jesus' ascension. The Great Commission In the synoptic Gospels, Jesus' foretelling of His ascension is closely linked with the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" . This commission is given with the understanding that Jesus' physical presence would soon be replaced by His spiritual presence and authority, which would be manifested through the Holy Spirit. The Ascension in Acts The fulfillment of Jesus' foretelling is recorded in the Book of Acts. In Acts 1:9-11, the ascension 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'" . This passage not only confirms the ascension but also points to the future return of Christ, completing the cycle of His earthly mission and heavenly reign. The Ascension of Christ, as foretold by Himself, is a testament to His divine authority and the fulfillment of His redemptive work. It marks the transition from His earthly ministry to His exalted position at the right hand of the Father, where He continues to intercede for believers and oversee the unfolding of God's kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 6:62What and if you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? Torrey's Topical Textbook John 7:33 John 14:28 John 16:5 John 20:17 Library The Preservation of Our Bodies is Confirmed by the Resurrection ... "Give Heed unto Me," the Church Says unto You; Give Heed unto Me ... The Prophets Bore Witness to Christ and Foretold Many Things ... How Christ Performed the Office of Redeemer in Procuring Our ... Thessalonica Of Christ's Subsequent Manifestations of Himself to the Disciples ... The King on his Throne. Concerning Faith of Things Not Seen The Preface of the Book, in which He Investigates The The Harmony of the Gospels. Resources What is the Ascension of Isaiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ascension Day? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning and importance of the ascension of Jesus Christ? | 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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