The Ascension refers to the Christian belief that Jesus Christ physically ascended to heaven in the presence of His disciples, forty days after His resurrection. It is a significant event in Christianity, symbolizing Jesus Christ’s glorification and His return to God the Father. This event marks the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly ministry and precedes the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, empowering the disciples to continue Jesus’ work.
Relevant Bible verses include:
- Acts 1:9-11 (ESV): “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'”
- Mark 16:19 (ESV): “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”
- Luke 24:50-53 (ESV): “Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.”
Three main takeaways from the Ascension include:
- Confirmation of Jesus’ Divine Authority: The Ascension affirms Jesus Christ as the Son of God, having completed His earthly mission, and now reigning with all authority in heaven. It confirms His divine nature and His role in the salvation of humanity.
- Promise of the Holy Spirit: Before ascending, Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower His followers (Acts 1:8). The Ascension marks the transition from Jesus’ physical presence with His disciples to His spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit, guiding and empowering the church.
- Hope of Our Future: The Ascension gives Christians hope for their own future resurrection and ascension. Just as Jesus ascended into heaven, He promises that those who believe in Him will also be with Him in heaven (John 14:3). This provides believers with comfort and assurance of eternal life with God.
