The Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven is a pivotal event in Christianity, carrying profound implications for believers across the globe. This Bible story unfolds after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, chronicling His ascent to heaven and signifying the conclusion of His earthly ministry.
With the Ascension, Jesus takes on the role of the exalted Christ, seated at the right hand of God the Father. In this article, we will explore the significance of this event, its biblical accounts, and the lessons it imparts to Christians today.
Table of Contents
- The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ
- The Promise of the Holy Spirit
- When did the Ascension of Christ happen?
- Where did the Ascension of Jesus take place?
- The Story of the Ascension of Jesus in the Bible
- The Angels’ Words: “Jesus Will Come Back”
- The Meaning of Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven
- Is There Historical Evidence of the Ascension?
- When is the Ascension of Jesus Observed?
- Conclusion
The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ
After Jesus’ crucifixion, He rose from the dead on the first day of the week, as prophesied in scripture.
Mary Magdalene and other women found the empty tomb, and were the first to saw Jesus. He instructed them to tell His disciples that He had risen.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Before His ascension, Christ promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, enabling them to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and spread His message to the ends of the Earth.
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples, along with the mother of Jesus and other followers, returned to Jerusalem to wait for the Holy Spirit, as Jesus had instructed them.
This waiting period led to the events of the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them, empowering them to spread the message of Jesus and His resurrection to the world.
This event, known as the Day of Pentecost, occurred ten days after Jesus’ ascension, when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and other followers of Jesus.
When did the Ascension of Christ happen?
Over forty days after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, teaching them about the kingdom of God and preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He then ascended into Heaven.
As Jesus ascended to heaven, his disciples looked up and witnessed him being taken into the sky, symbolizing his return to be at the Father’s side. God raised Jesus from the dead and placed Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, emphasizing that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God.
Where did the Ascension of Jesus take place?
The Ascension of Jesus took place at the Mount of Olives, which is located near Jerusalem in Israel. According to the Bible, Jesus led his disciples to the vicinity of Bethany, a village on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, before he ascended into heaven (Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9-12).
The Story of the Ascension of Jesus in the Bible
The Bible describes Jesus’ ascension in the New Testament, specifically in the books of Luke and Acts. Following His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His apostles and instructed them about the kingdom of God. The ascension took place after these events, marking the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of His exalted position at the right hand of God.
Gospel of Luke (24:50-53)
In the Gospel of Luke (24:50-53), Jesus led His apostles to Bethany, where He blessed them and was taken up into heaven. The apostles worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Book of Acts (1:9-11)
The book of Acts (1:9-11) provides a more detailed account of the ascension. After Jesus instructed His apostles to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem, He was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Gospel of John (20:17)
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Bible Source : King James Bible
This passage indicates that Jesus had not yet ascended to heaven at the time of this encounter, but He was preparing to do so.
The Angels’ Words: “Jesus Will Come Back”
When the angels said that Jesus would come again, they were referring to the Second Coming of Christ. In the future, Jesus will return to Earth in glory and power to establish His kingdom.
This belief is based on the angels’ words in Acts 1:11, after Jesus’ ascension: “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.”
The Second Coming of Jesus is a central teaching in Christianity, according to Scripture, and is a source of hope and anticipation for believers. The exact timing of Jesus’ return is unknown; yet, Christians have to be prepared and live their lives in accordance with His teachings, eagerly awaiting His return.
There are many prophecies and signs that indicate the coming of Jesus’ return. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:36, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
The Meaning of Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven
The Ascension signifies the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of His exalted position in heaven. The meaning of the Ascension can be understood in several ways:
Exaltation
The Ascension represents Jesus’ exaltation to the right hand of God the Father. The Son of Man fulfilled His earthly mission and was glorified, taking His place at the right side of God. This exalted position shows Jesus’ authority, power, and divine nature.
High Priest
Christ is the High Priest, interceding on behalf of humanity. As the High Priest, He presents His sacrifice to God, ensuring to forgive the sins of believers. This role further emphasizes Jesus’ unique connection to both God and humanity.
Promise of the Holy Spirit
Before ascending into heaven, Christ promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon them to empower them continue His mission on Earth.
On the Day of Pentecost, He fulfilled this promise, guiding and strengthening the apostles and early believers as they spread the Gospel.
Assurance of Jesus’ Return
Christ’s Ascension is also a reminder that Jesus will return to Earth one day.
As stated in Acts 1:11: “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.”
This promise brings hope to Christians, who eagerly await the Second Coming and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Access to God’s Presence
Christ is the mediator between God and humanity. He has opened the way for believers to enter into a close relationship with God, experiencing His love, grace, and mercy.
Is There Historical Evidence of the Ascension?
While there is no direct historical evidence for the Ascension outside of the New Testament, it is an important event within the Christian faith and is documented in the biblical texts.
It is essential to recognize that the Ascension is a matter of religious belief and faith rather than a historical event that can be definitively proven through secular sources or archaeological evidence.
When is the Ascension of Jesus Observed?
The Ascension of Jesus is observed 40 days after Easter Sunday, known as Ascension Day or Ascension Thursday. The date varies each year because Easter’s date also changes, depending on the lunar calendar.
In recent times, some denominations have moved the celebration to the following Sunday instead of Thursday, making it more accessible for believers to attend church services.
Christians commemorate Jesus’ ascension into heaven, remembering how the Lord Jesus rose to be with the Father in the heavenly realms. In some countries, Ascension Day is a public holiday, and Christians attend special church services to commemorate Jesus’ ascension into heaven.
Ascension Day is closely related to Pentecost, which occurs ten days after the ascension.
Conclusion
The Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven is an inspiring story that marks Jesus’ divine status as He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. It highlights Jesus’ triumph over death and His ongoing role as our High Priest, bridging the gap between humanity and God.
The story reminds us of the vital presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Jesus’ disciples, empowering them to spread the Gospel and build the kingdom of God. Furthermore, it offers hope for the future, as Jesus promises to return, ushering in the fullness of God’s kingdom on Earth.
By reflecting on this remarkable event, Christians can find inspiration, guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose as they continue their spiritual journey, following in the footsteps of Jesus and His apostles.
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