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 for its demonstration of Christ's divine authority and fulfillment of prophecy but also for its implications for believers, particularly in the promise of preparing a place for His people.Biblical Account The Ascension is recorded in several passages of the New Testament, most notably in the Book of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. In Acts 1:9-11 , it is written: "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.'" Luke 24:50-51 also describes the event: "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." 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 divine nature and the fulfillment of His redemptive work. The Ascension also marks the beginning of Christ's heavenly ministry, where He intercedes for believers as their High Priest (Hebrews 7:25). Preparation of a Place One of the most comforting promises associated with the Ascension is found in John 14:2-3 , where Jesus assures His disciples: "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 promise highlights the personal and relational aspect of Christ's work. The preparation of a place is not merely a physical act but a spiritual assurance of eternal fellowship with Him. It underscores the hope of eternal life and the believer's future inheritance in the kingdom of God. Implications for Believers The Ascension serves as a source of hope and encouragement for Christians. It assures them of Christ's ongoing presence and His eventual return. The promise of a prepared place emphasizes the certainty of salvation and the believer's ultimate destiny with Christ. It calls believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the heavenly home that awaits them. Furthermore, the Ascension empowers the Church through the sending of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised 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 Holy Spirit equips believers to continue Christ's mission on earth, spreading the Gospel and living out their faith in anticipation of His return. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 14:2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether Christ's Ascension is the Cause of Our Salvation? The Translation of Elijah and the Ascension of Christ Christ's Exaltation Cannot be Proved from Scripture, that Believers under the Old ... Why Christ must Depart The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ... Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ Things Omitted from John's Gospel. "Let not Your Heart be Troubled" The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by his Own Affirmations. 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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