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 is not only significant in the New Testament narrative but is also foreshadowed in various Old Testament prophecies. These prophecies, when viewed through the lens of the New Testament, reveal the divine plan and purpose behind Christ's ascension.Old Testament Prophecies 1. Psalm 68:18: "When You ascended on high, You led captives away; You received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God might dwell there." This verse is often interpreted as a prophetic reference to Christ's ascension. The imagery of ascending on high and leading captives is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's victory over sin and death, culminating in His ascension. 2. Daniel 7:13-14: "In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him." This vision of Daniel is understood to prefigure Christ's ascension and exaltation, where He is given authority and dominion, fulfilling His role as the eternal King. 3. Psalm 110:1: "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.'" This verse is frequently cited in the New Testament as a prophecy of Christ's ascension and His exalted position at the right hand of God. It underscores the authority and power bestowed upon Christ following His ascension. New Testament Fulfillment 1. 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.'" This passage describes the fulfillment of the ascension, where Jesus is visibly taken up into heaven, affirming the prophecies of His exaltation. 2. Ephesians 4:8-10: "This is why it says: 'When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.' What does 'He ascended' mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things." Paul references Psalm 68:18, interpreting it as a prophecy fulfilled in Christ's ascension, emphasizing His authority and the distribution of spiritual gifts to the Church. 3. Hebrews 1:3: "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." This verse highlights the fulfillment of Psalm 110:1, where Christ, having completed His redemptive work, is seated at the right hand of God, signifying His completed mission and ongoing reign. The Ascension of Christ, as prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament, is a testament to the divine orchestration of salvation history. It marks the transition of Christ's earthly ministry to His heavenly intercession and reign, affirming His role as the exalted Lord and King. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 24:7Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be you lift up, you everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 68:18 Ephesians 4:7,8 Library The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 1 New Testament History and Prophecy. Against Heresies Summary view of the Pre-Existence and Divinity of Our Saviour and ... Different Degrees of Knowledge. Christ Paul in Malta and Rome. The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. Catalogue of his Works. Introductory Notice to the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs 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) |