Reference: ASCENSION OF CHRIST
Watsons
ASCENSION OF CHRIST, his visible elevation to heaven. Our Saviour, having repeatedly conversed with his Apostles after his resurrection, and afforded them many infallible proofs of its reality, led them from Jerusalem to Bethany, and was raised up to heaven in their sight; there to continue till he shall descend at the last day to judge the quick and the dead. The evidences of this fact were numerous. The disciples saw him ascend, Ac 1:9-10. Two angels testified that he did ascend, Ac 1:11. Stephen, Paul, and John saw him in his ascended state, Ac 7:55-56; 9; Re 1. The ascension was demonstrated by the descent of the Holy Ghost, Joh 16:7,14; Ac 2:33; and the terrible overthrow and dispersion of the Jewish nation is still a standing proof of it, Joh 8:21; Mt 26:64. The time of Christ's ascension was forty days after his resurrection. He continued so many days upon earth, that he might give repeated proofs of his resurrection, Ac 1:3; instruct his Apostles in every thing of importance respecting their office and ministry, Ac 1:3; and might open to them the Scriptures concerning himself, and renew their commission to preach the Gospel, Ac 1:5-6; Mr 16:15. As to the manner of his ascension, it was from mount Olivet to heaven, not in appearance only, but in reality, and that visibly and locally. It was a real motion of his human nature; sudden, swift, glorious, and in a triumphant manner. He was parted from his disciples while he was solemnly blessing them; and multitudes of angels attended him with shouts of praise, Ps 68:17; 47:5-6.
The effects or ends of his ascension were,
1. To fulfil the types and prophecies concerning it; 2. To "appear" as a priest "in the presence of God for us;" 3. To take upon him more openly the exercise of his kingly office; 4. To receive gifts for men, both ordinary and extraordinary, Ps 68:18; 5. To open the way to heaven for his people, Heb 10:19-20; 6. To assure the saints of their ascension to heaven after their resurrection from the dead, Joh 14:1-2.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
God has ascended his throne amid loud shouts; the Lord has ascended his throne amid the blaring of ram's horns. Sing to God! Sing! Sing to our king! Sing!
God has countless chariots; they number in the thousands. The Lord comes from Sinai in holy splendor. You ascend on high, you have taken many captives. You receive tribute from men, including even sinful rebels. Indeed the Lord God lives there!
Jesus said to him, "You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven."
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Then Jesus said to them again, "I am going away, and you will look for me but will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come."
"Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. There are many dwelling places in my Father's house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you.
But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I am going away. For if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you.
He will glorify me, because he will receive from me what is mine and will tell it to you.
To the same apostles also, after his suffering, he presented himself alive with many convincing proofs. He was seen by them over a forty-day period and spoke about matters concerning the kingdom of God.
To the same apostles also, after his suffering, he presented himself alive with many convincing proofs. He was seen by them over a forty-day period and spoke about matters concerning the kingdom of God.
For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." So when they had gathered together, they began to ask him, "Lord, is this the time when you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?"
After he had said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud hid him from their sight. As they were still staring into the sky while he was going, suddenly two men in white clothing stood near them read more. and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven."
So then, exalted to the right hand of God, and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he has poured out what you both see and hear.
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently toward heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look!" he said. "I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,