Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe 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 celebrated as a testament to Christ's divine nature and His exaltation at the right hand of God the Father. The Ascension is recorded in the New Testament, primarily in the books of Luke and Acts, and is a cornerstone of Christian belief, symbolizing the completion of Jesus' earthly ministry and the commencement of His heavenly reign. Biblical Account The Ascension is described in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. In Luke 24:50-51 , it is written: "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." This passage highlights the blessing Jesus imparted to His disciples, signifying His continued care and authority over them even as He departed physically from the earth. The account in Acts 1:9-11 provides further detail: "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 emphasizes the promise of Christ's return, a key element of Christian eschatology. Theological Significance The Ascension is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it confirms the divinity of Christ, as He returns to the heavenly realm, affirming His pre-existence and eternal nature. Secondly, it marks the completion of His redemptive work on earth, as He ascends to present His sacrifice before the Father, securing eternal salvation for believers. Furthermore, the Ascension signifies the exaltation of Christ. As stated in Ephesians 1:20-21 , God "raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." This exaltation underscores Christ's supreme authority over all creation. Implications for Believers The Ascension has profound implications for believers. It assures them of Christ's ongoing intercession, as He serves as the High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, advocating on behalf of His followers. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." Additionally, the Ascension paves the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come to empower them for ministry, as recorded in Acts 1:8 : "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Conclusion The Ascension of Christ is a foundational event that encapsulates the transition from Jesus' earthly ministry to His heavenly reign. It assures believers of His divine authority, His ongoing intercession, and the promise of His return, while also empowering them through the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 1:3To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ... Whether it was Fitting for Christ to Ascend into Heaven? The Forty Days How was Christ Exalted in his Ascension? Whether Christ Ought to have Lived Constantly with his Disciples ... The Ascension of Christ On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension The Ascension (On the Lord's Ascension, I. ) The Resurrection of 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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