The Ascension of Christ The Ascension of Christ

The Ascension of Christ

The Ascension of Christ § The ascension of Christ may not get as much attention as other aspects of his life, like his birth, death, or resurrection § Jesus alluded to it earlier in his ministry (Jn. 6: 62), at the end (Jn. 16: 10, 28; 17: 11), and post-

The Ascension of Christ § Why did the apostles return to Jerusalem with “great joy” after the ascension of Christ (Lk. 24: 50 -53)? § They knew some truths about the ascension and we need to know the same

The Ascension of Christ § The ascension of Christ completes the exaltation (Acts 2: 33; 5: 31; Phil. 2: 911) and glorification (Jn. 17: 5; Heb. 2: 9; 1 Tim. 3: 16) of Christ; he is higher than the heavens (Heb. 4: 14; 7: 26)

The Ascension of Christ § How did the ascended Jesus appear to Stephen (Acts 7: 55 -56)? § How did the ascended Jesus appear to Saul (Acts 26: 13 -16; 18: 9 -10)? § How did the ascended Jesus appear to John (Rev. 1: 7, 12 -18; 5: 5 -12; etc. )

What Does the Ascension Show? § We learn from his ascending § We learn from his sitting § We learn from his returning

What Does the Ascension Show? § First, Jesus is different; he is not from this world (Jn. 3: 13, 31 -36; 6: 38, 42) § Do we believe he is different? Will we obey him?

What Does the Ascension Show? § Second, Jesus is working; he is not idle or retired; he has a on-going heavenly ministry (Mt. 28: 20; Mk. 16: 19 -20) § He sent the H. S. to the apostles (Lk. 24: 49; Jn. 14: 12; 15: 26; 16: 7; Acts 1: 5, 8; 2: 1 -4, 33)

What Does the Ascension Show? § He is ruling and reigning at the right hand of God (Acts 2: 33 -36 [Psa. 110: 1]; 7: 55 -56; Eph. 1: 19 -22; Col. 3: 1; Heb. 1: 3 -4; 10: 12 -13; 21; 12: 2; 1 Pet. 3: 22; Rev. 1: 5; 11: 15) § The “right hand” of honor and authority

What Does the Ascension Show? § He is interceding as High Priest and Advocate (Rom. 8: 34; Heb. 4: 14 -16; 7: 25; 8: 1 -2; 9: 24; 1 Jn. 2: 1 -2) § Jesus is giving gifts (Eph. 4: 7 -11; see Psa. 68: 18) § He is filling all things (Eph. 4: 10)

What Does the Ascension Show? § He is preparing (Jn. 14: 2) § Do we trust his working? Will we patiently pray and wait?

What Does the Ascension Show? § Third, Jesus is going to return in a visible form by all to see; he will not be gone forever; he is returning to judge the world (Acts 1: 9 -11; 3: 2021) § Are we ready for his return? Will we repent?

The Ascension of Christ § Ascending: Jesus is different § Sitting: Jesus is still working § Returning: Jesus is going to judge