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 event is recorded in several passages of the New Testament, providing profound insights into the nature and mission of Jesus as the Messiah.Biblical Account of the Ascension The primary account of Jesus' ascension is found in the Book of Acts. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of forty days, speaking about the kingdom of God. The narrative in Acts 1:9-11 describes the moment of His ascension: "After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. While they were gazing intently into the sky as He was going, 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.'" Theological Significance The ascension signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly mission and His return to divine glory. It affirms His divine nature and His role as the eternal High Priest and King. 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 passage underscores Jesus' ongoing intercessory role for believers. Fulfillment of Prophecy and Promise The ascension fulfills Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own predictions about His return to the Father. In John 14:2-3 , 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." Exaltation and Authority The ascension marks the exaltation of Jesus, granting Him authority 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 highlights the supremacy of Christ and His sovereign rule. Promise of the Holy Spirit Before His ascension, Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower the disciples for their mission. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' words: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The ascension thus sets the stage for the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, enabling the spread of the Gospel. Hope of Christ's Return The ascension also provides believers with the hope of Christ's return. The angelic message in Acts 1:11 assures that Jesus will come back in the same manner as He ascended. This promise of His second coming is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, offering hope and encouragement to the faithful as they await the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. In summary, the ascension of Jesus Christ is a multifaceted event that reveals His divine authority, fulfills prophetic promises, and assures believers of His ongoing presence and future return. It is a testament to His completed work of salvation and His eternal reign as Lord and King. Nave's Topical Index John 7:33,34Then said Jesus to them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go to him that sent me. Nave's Topical Index John 8:21 John 12:8 John 13:33 John 16:10,16 Library Christ and his Cross the Centre of the Universe Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ Disciples of Christ; Sometimes Called Campbellites, or Reformers. The Last Words of the Old and New Testaments Light through Darkness. Inspiration and the Canon Light through Darkness Some Peculiarities of John's Gospel. The Resurrection of Christ. The Holy Spirit and the World. Resources Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |