Topical Bible: The Ascension of Christ: when he had Atoned for Sin

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Ascension of Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the moment when Jesus Christ, having completed His earthly ministry and atoning work, was taken up into heaven. This event is recorded in several New Testament passages, most notably in the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of Luke.

Biblical Account

The Ascension is described in 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.'"

Luke 24:50-51 also provides an account: "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 redemptive work on earth. Having atoned for sin through His death and resurrection, Jesus' ascension marks His exaltation and the beginning of His heavenly ministry. Hebrews 9:24 states, "For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God."

The Ascension also underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and typologies. Psalm 110:1 proclaims, "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.'" This verse is often cited in the New Testament as being fulfilled in Christ's ascension and exaltation (see Acts 2:34-35).

Christ's Ongoing Ministry

Following His ascension, Christ's role as High Priest and intercessor is emphasized. Hebrews 7:25 declares, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." This ongoing intercession is a source of comfort and assurance for believers, affirming that Christ continues to advocate on their behalf before the Father.

Promise of the Holy Spirit

The Ascension also paved the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come after His departure, empowering them for the mission ahead. In John 16:7 , Jesus says, "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."

Eschatological Hope

The Ascension provides believers with the hope of Christ's return. The angelic message in Acts 1:11 assures that Jesus will return in the same manner as He ascended. This promise fuels the Christian hope for the Second Coming, when Christ will establish His kingdom in its fullness.

Conclusion

The Ascension of Christ is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, encapsulating the completion of His atoning work, His exaltation, and His ongoing ministry. It assures believers of His intercession, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of His return.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 10:12
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Brazen Serpent.
... the height He reached by no swift ascension of a ... The life of Christ would have been
inefficient without His ... Had He only lived and taught, we should have known ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/viii the brazen serpent.htm

Fourteenth Day. The Holy one of God.
... In His Resurrection and Ascension the power of the New Life ... One, in whom He delights,
and for whose sake He delights in all who are in Him, so Christ may now ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/fourteenth day the holy one.htm

Jesus the Scapegoat.
... His death and ascension put an end to all hopes that ... When Caiaphas sacrificed Christ
to propitiate Rome, he knew that none but Christ's own countrymen ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xxiv jesus the scapegoat.htm

The New Covenant.
... the holiest, to return finally at His ascension, whereas the Apostle has argued
that Christ differs from the ... under the former covenant in that He does not ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

Of Eternal and Temporal Nature.
... incarnation, life, sufferings, death, resurrection and ascension of the ... seeing nothing
less could do it, he sent his ... of the life and death of Christ, all that ...
/.../law/an appeal to all that doubt/of eternal and temporal nature.htm

Chapter xx.
... the end of ten days after His ascension, He sent from ... as a father the son in whom
he delighteth," following ... made to feel the power of goodness." Christ gave a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xx.htm

The Manifestation of Holy Love.
... heaven down to earth, and which by His ascension to heaven ... whole house of God, and
the body of Christ in all ... As the selfsame Spirit, He not only works in all ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xix the manifestation of holy.htm

The Glory of Penitents and Pious People.
... After the ascension of Jesus, she shut herself up in a ... of whom God is the Father,
Jesus Christ the Elder ... as the additional pleasures with which He perfects and ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xx the glory of.htm

Questions.
... xlv. The Song of Solomon on the mystical union of Christ and His Church ... What of the
Ascension?"Psalm 68:18. ... 3. Why did the Pope think he had a right over them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Index of Subjects.
... 171]430; His acts between the Resurrection and Ascension, [172]4 ... 172, [756]224; at
Antioch, practised "economy," [757]280; what he gave to Christ, [758]384 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/index of subjects.htm