Topical Encyclopedia The Ascension of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the culmination of His earthly ministry and His exaltation to the right hand of God the Father. This miraculous event 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' work on earth and the beginning of His heavenly reign.Biblical Account The Ascension is described in Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9-11. In the Gospel of Luke, 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" (Luke 24:50-51). This passage highlights the blessing Jesus imparted to His disciples, signifying His continued care and authority over them even as He departed from their physical presence. The account in Acts 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'" (Acts 1:9-11). This passage emphasizes the physical and visible nature of the Ascension, witnessed by the apostles, and introduces the promise of Christ's return. Theological Significance The Ascension is not merely a departure but a transition to a new phase of Christ's ministry. It signifies His glorification and the fulfillment of His priestly role as He enters the heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 4:14 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess" . This underscores Jesus' ongoing intercessory work on behalf of believers. Furthermore, the Ascension marks the beginning of the Church's mission. Jesus' departure was necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit, as He 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 sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost empowered the apostles to spread the Gospel, fulfilling the Great Commission. Christ's Exaltation and Reign The Ascension also signifies Christ's exaltation and His sovereign rule over all creation. Ephesians 1:20-21 declares, "He exerted when He raised Christ 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 passage affirms Christ's authority and His role as the head of the Church. Promise of Return The Ascension carries with it the promise of Christ's return. The angelic message in Acts 1:11 assures believers of His second coming, a future event that is central to Christian eschatology. This promise provides hope and motivation for believers to live faithfully and to anticipate the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. In summary, the Ascension of Christ is a miraculous event with profound theological implications, affirming His divinity, His ongoing priestly work, and His sovereign reign, while also providing the foundation for the Church's mission and the hope of His return. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 1:9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ... Whether those Miracles were Fitting which Christ Worked in ... Of the Resurrection of the Flesh, which Some Refuse to Believe ... Of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Sending of the Apostles ... That the Christian Miracles are not Recited, or Appealed To, by ... Confessing Christ an Indispensable Duty. The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion (On the Lord's Ascension, ii. ) The Father Seen in Christ. Of Miracles which were Wrought that the World Might Believe in ... Resources Are the miracles in the Bible to be taken literally? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.org What are the greatest miracles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of 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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