Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of His Ascension

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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 the Father. This event is recorded in the New Testament, primarily in the books of Luke and Acts, and is accompanied by miraculous signs that affirm His divine nature and mission.

Biblical Account of the Ascension

The ascension is described in Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:9-11. In 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). 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" (Acts 1:9).

Miraculous Elements

1. The Blessing and Departure: As Jesus blessed His disciples, He was supernaturally lifted from the earth. This act of blessing signifies His continued priestly role and His authority to impart divine favor. The miraculous nature of His departure underscores His divine identity and the fulfillment of His earthly mission.

2. The Cloud: The cloud that received Jesus is reminiscent of the Shekinah glory, the visible manifestation of God's presence in the Old Testament. This cloud not only signifies divine approval but also serves as a symbol of Jesus' return to the heavenly realm. The cloud's presence is a miraculous testament to the divine nature of the ascension.

3. The Angelic Witnesses: As the disciples gazed into the sky, two men in white apparel, identified as angels, appeared beside them. They proclaimed, "Men of Galilee, 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 1:11). The appearance of angels serves as a divine confirmation of the ascension and a promise of Christ's future return.

Theological Significance

The ascension of Jesus is not merely a miraculous event but holds profound theological significance. It marks the completion of His redemptive work on earth and His exaltation as Lord and King. The ascension signifies the beginning of His heavenly intercession for believers and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as 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" .

Furthermore, the ascension assures believers of Christ's ongoing presence and authority. 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" . This exaltation confirms Jesus as the sovereign ruler over all creation.

Conclusion

The miracles surrounding the ascension of Jesus Christ serve as a powerful testament to His divine nature and the fulfillment of His earthly mission. Through these miraculous signs, believers are assured of His continued presence, His intercessory role, and the promise of His return. The ascension stands as a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming the hope and assurance found in the risen and exalted Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 24:51
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 1:9
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
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Library

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... To this question Jesus did not return a direct ... appointed to be "witnesses" of Christ
to the ... and Gentiles, concerning his doctrine, his miracles, his death, and ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm

Of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Sending of the Apostles ...
... XLVII."Of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Sending of ... gave them the power of
working miracles, that they ... fortieth day, He returned to His Father, being ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xlvii of the resurrection of.htm

The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... III. The Raising of the Dead. B. CHRIST'S MIRACLES WROUGHT UPON MATERIAL NATURE. ...
Section 285. Jesus before Pilate.--Christ's Kingdom not "of this World.". ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/

From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus.
... this has in it some teachings and some miracles. ... perhaps, the triumphal entry of
Jesus into Jerusalem ... as follows: (a) The question about Christ's authority and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xviii from the birth.htm

The Praying that Glorifies God
... Spirit of God the whole world can feel the dynamic force of a living Christ. ... While
Jesus was in the world, mankind could see His miracles, hear His ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 4 the praying that.htm

An Attempt to Account for Jesus
... Knock out all the miracles; pooh-pooh all Christ's claims ... For, if His explanation
is true, then a very ... Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ alone, can cast the evils ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/an attempt to account for.htm

(On the Lord's Ascension, ii. )
... of the New Testament, our Lord Jesus Christ, on the ... after being confirmed by so many
miracles and instructed ... not accepted the truth of His resurrection without ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxxiv on the lords.htm

Of the Resurrection of the Flesh, which Some Refuse to Believe ...
... incredibility of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ may be ... if they do
not believe that these miracles were wrought by Christ's apostles to ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 5 of the resurrection of.htm

The Mistakes of Christ's Foes and Friends
... Knock out the miracles, waive Christ's own claims as ... Jesus not only tests the futile
explanation by common ... language it just means that Christ by incarnation ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the mistakes of christs foes.htm

Confessing Christ an Indispensable Duty.
... is done by those who deny that Jesus is the ... God." They had the prophets who testified
of Christ. ... of me." That people also witnessed his miracles, "which were ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xix confessing christ an.htm