Reference: Ascension
American
The visible ascent of Christ to heaven. When our Savior had repeatedly conversed with his apostles during forty days, after his resurrection, and afforded them infallible proofs of its reality, he led them out to the Mount of Olives, and was raised up to heaven in their sight, there to continue till he shall come again at the last day to judge the quick and the dead, Ac 1:9,11. The ascension was demonstrated by the descent of the Holy Ghost,
Joh 16:7-14; Ac 2. It was Christ's real human nature that ascended; and he thus triumphed gloriously over death and hell, as head of his body the church. While he blessed his disciples he was parted from them and multitudes of the angelic hosts accompanied and welcomed him, Ps 24:9; 68:17. The consequences resulting from his ascension are: the fulfilment of types and prophecies concerning it; his appearance as a priest in the presence of God for us; his more open and full assumption of his kingly office; his receiving gifts for men; his opening the way to heaven for his people. Heb 10:19-20; and assuring his saints of their ascension to heaven after the resurrection of the dead, Joh 14:1-2.
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Lift up your heads, O ye gates. Yea, lift them up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands upon thousands. LORD is among them, [as in] Sinai, in the sanctuary.
Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many dwellings, and if not, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I depart, for if I do not depart, the helper will not come to you. But whenever I go, I will send him to you. And having come, he will convict the world about sin, and about justice, and about judgment. read more. About sin because they truly did not believe in me, and about justice because I go to the Father, and ye see me no more, and about judgment because the ruler of this world has been judged. I have yet many things to say to you, but ye cannot bear them now. However when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak from himself, but as many things as he may hear, he will speak. And he will report to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me because he will receive from me, and will report to you.
And having said these things, as they were watching, he was taken up, and a cloud received him from their eyes.
who also said, Men, Galileans, why stand ye gazing into the sky? This Jesus who was taken up from you into the sky will so come, in that same way as ye saw him going into the sky.
Having therefore, brothers, boldness for entrance into the holy things by the blood of Jesus, which he inaugurated for us, a new and living way through the curtain, that is, his flesh,
Easton
See Christ.
Hastings
The fact of our Lord's Ascension is treated very scantily in the Synoptic Gospels. From Mt. it is entirely omitted. In the appendix to Mk. the words in which it is stated are rather the formula of a creed than the narrative of an event (Mr 16:19). Lk. is somewhat more circumstantial, and, though the chronology is uncertain, mentions the journey to the neighbourhood of Bethany and the disappearance of Christ in the act of blessing, together with the return of the disciples to Jerusalem (Lu 24:50-52). The narrative, meagre as it is, is not inconsistent with, and may even presuppose, the events recorded at greater length in Acts (Ac 1:6-12). Here we learn that the scene was more precisely the Mount, of Olives (Ac 1:12); that the final conversation, to which allusion is possibly made in Mr 16:19, concerned the promise of the Holy Spirit (Mr 16:6-8); and that the Ascension, so far as it was an event and therefore a subject of testimony, took the form of the uplifting of the bodily form of Jesus from the earth till it disappeared in a cloud (Mr 16:9-10). Whether this experience involved more than the separation of Christ from immediate contact with the earth, and included His gradual recession into the upper air, there is nothing directly to show. The general form of the narrative recalls the Transfiguration (Lu 9:28-36 ||). The words of the 'two men in white apparei' (Lu 9:10) suggest that the final impression was that of disappearance above the heads of the onlookers (Lu 9:11). It will be noticed that, while the Markan appendix and Luke, unless the latter narrative is interpolated, blend fact and figure (Mr 16:19 'received up [fact] into heaven [partly fact, partly figure], and sat down at the right hand of God [figure]'; Lu 24:51 'he parted from them [fact], and was carried up into heaven [partly fact, partly figure; but see Revised Version margin,' as must necessarily be the case where the doctrine of the Ascension is concerned; Acts, on the other hand, which purports to describe an event, rigidly keeps within the limits of testimony.
There are certain anticipations of the Ascension in the Gospels which must be regarded as part of their witness to it. Thus Lk. introduces the account of our Lord's last journey to Jerusalem with the words 'when the days were being fulfilled that he should be received up' (Lu 9:51 Revised Version margin). It is probable that the Ascension is here delicately blended with the Crucifixion, as apparently by Christ Himself in Joh 12:32. Again, the word exodos in Luke's account of the Transfiguration, rendered in the text of RV 'decease,' but marg. 'departure,' seems to have the same double reference (Lu 9:31). Our Lord's predictions of the Second Coming 'on the clouds' (Mt 24:30; 26:64; cf. 1Th 4:16; Re 1:7) almost necessarily imply the Ascension. The Fourth Gospel, while in its accustomed manner omitting the story of the Ascension, probably regarded as known, introduces definite references to it on the part of Christ both before and after the Resurrection (Joh 6:62; 7:33; 14:19,28; 16:28; 20:17 etc.). And if we compare statements in the Epistles (Eph 4:8; Heb 1:3; 4:14) with the Ascension narrative, it is scarcely possible to doubt that the writers accepted the historic fact as the basis of their teaching. To this must be added all those passages which speak of Jesus as exalted to the right hand or throne of God (Ro 8:34; Eph 1:20; Heb 10:12 etc.), and as returning to earth in the glory of the Father (Mt 25:31; Mr 8:38; Php 3:20 etc.). In connexion with the Session, St. Peter, after mentioning the Resurrection, uses the expression 'having gone his way into heaven' (1Pe 3:22, cf. Joh 14:3). Nor can we omit such considerations as arise out of the fact of the Resurrection itself, which are satisfied only by an event that puts a definite period to the earthly manifestation of the incarnate Christ.
From what has been said it will appear that the Ascension stands on a somewhat different level from the Resurrection as an attested fact. Like the Virgin-birth, it did not form a part of the primitive preaching, nor does it belong to the evidences of Christianity. The fragment of what is thought to be a primitive hymn quoted in 1Ti 3:16 somewhat curiously places 'preached among the nations' before 'received up in glory.' But it is nevertheless a fact which came within the experience of the Apostles, and can therefore claim a measure of historical testimony. The Resurrection is itself the strongest witness to the reality of the Ascension, as of the Virgin-birth, nor would either in the nature of the case have been capable of winning its way to acceptance apart from the central faith that Jesus actually rose from the dead. But neither the fact itself nor its importance to the Christian believer depends upon the production of evidence for its occurrence. It will not be seriously disputed by those who accept the Apostolic gospel. On the other hand, the fact that the Ascension was accepted in the primitive Church as the event which put a term to the earthly manifestation of Christ brings out the Resurrection in striking relief as in the full sense of the word a fact of history. It is the Ascension, represented as it is in Scripture not only historically but mystically, and not the Resurrection, which might be viewed as an apotheosis or idealization of Jesus. That 'Jesus is now living at the right hand of God' (Harnack) is not a sufficient account of the Christian belief in the Resurrection in view of the Ascension narrative, which, even if Keim and others are right in regarding it as a materialization of the doctrine of the eternal Session as set forth in the Epistles, becomes necessary only when the Resurrection is accepted in the most literal sense.
The Ascension is the point of contact between the man Jesus Christ of the Gospeis and the mystical Christ of the Epistles, preserving the historical character of the former and the universality of the latter in true continuity. It enabled the disciples to identify the gift of Pentecost with the promise of the Holy Spirit, which had been specially connected with the withdrawal of Jesus from bodily sight and His return to the Father (Joh 16:7; cf. Joh 7:39). An eternal character is thus given to the sacrifice of the death of Christ, which becomes efficacious through the exaltation of His crucified and risen manhood (Heb 10:11-14,19-22).
J. G. Simpson.
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And then the sign of the Son of man will appear in the sky. And then all the tribes of the earth will beat the breast, and they will see the Son of man coming in the clouds of the sky with power and much glory.
But when the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the holy agents with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory.
Jesus says to him, Thou have said. Nevertheless I say to you, Henceforth ye will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming in the clouds of the sky.
For whoever may be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy agents.
And he says to them, Be not alarmed. Ye seek Jesus, the man of Nazareth who was crucified. He was raised. He is not here. Behold, the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, that he goes before you into Galilee. Ye will see him there, just as he said to you. read more. And having come out, they fled from the sepulcher, and trembling and astonishment seized them. And they said nothing to any man, for they were afraid. Now having risen early morning on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. That woman, having gone, informed those who became with him, as they mourned and wept.
Therefore indeed, the Lord, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
Therefore indeed, the Lord, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
Therefore indeed, the Lord, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
And when the apostles returned, they related to him as many things as they did. And having taken them along, he withdrew in private into a desolate place of a city called Bethsaida. But the multitudes having known, they followed him. And having received them, he spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he cured those who had need of healing.
And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that after taking Peter and John and James, he went up onto the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face became different, and his clothing glistening white. read more. And behold, two men talked with him, who were Moses and Elijah, who, having appeared in glory, spoke of his departure, which he was going to fulfill at Jerusalem.
who, having appeared in glory, spoke of his departure, which he was going to fulfill at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were weighed down with sleep, and having become awake, they saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him. read more. And it came to pass, as they were departing from him, Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here, and we could make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah, not knowing what he was sayi And while he was speaking these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them. And they were afraid as they entered into the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son. Hear ye him. And at the occurrence of the voice, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and informed no man in those days any of the things that they have seen.
And it came to pass, while fulfilling the days for his ascension, that he also set his face to go to Jerusalem.
And he led them outside as far as to Bethany, and having lifted up his hands, he blessed them. And it came to pass while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was brought up into heaven.
And it came to pass while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was brought up into heaven. And having worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
Then if ye should see the Son of man ascending where he was before?
Jesus therefore said, Yet a little time I am with you, and then I go to him who sent me.
But he spoke this about the Spirit that those who believe in him were going to receive, for Holy Spirit was not yet, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will take you along to myself, so that where I am, ye may be also.
Yet a little while, and the world sees me no more, but ye see me. Because I live, ye will also live.
Ye heard that I said to you, I go, and I come to you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced because I said I go to the Father, because my Father is greater than I.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I depart, for if I do not depart, the helper will not come to you. But whenever I go, I will send him to you.
I came forth from the Father, and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
Jesus says to her, Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brothers, and say to them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.
Indeed therefore having come together, they questioned him, saying, Lord, do thou restore the kingdom to Israel at this time? And he said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father established in his own authority. read more. But ye will receive the power of the Holy Spirit that comes upon you. And ye will be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and as far as of the extremity of the earth. And having said these things, as they were watching, he was taken up, and a cloud received him from their eyes. And while they were gazing at his going into the sky, behold, two men had also stood by them in white apparel, who also said, Men, Galileans, why stand ye gazing into the sky? This Jesus who was taken up from you into the sky will so come, in that same way as ye saw him going into the sky. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem having a Sabbath day journey.
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem having a Sabbath day journey.
Who is he who will condemn? It is Christ who died, but more, who also was raised up, who also is at the right hand of God, who also appeals for us.
which he wrought in the Christ, having raised him from the dead and seated at his right hand in the heavenly things,
Therefore he says, Having ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.
For our citizenship exists in the heavens, from which also we await a Savior, Lord Jesus Christ,
Because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with a voice of the arch-agent, and with a trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first,
And without controversy great is the mystery of piety. God was manifested in flesh, justified in spirit, seen by heavenly agents, proclaimed among nations, believed in the world, taken up in glory.
Who, being the radiance of his glory, and the exact image of his essence, and upholding all things by the word of his power, having made purification of our sins through himself, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in the
Having therefore a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us take hold of the affirmation.
And indeed every priest stands daily serving and offering the same sacrifices often, which can never take away sins. But this man, having offered one sacrifice on behalf of sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
But this man, having offered one sacrifice on behalf of sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting henceforth until his enemies are placed a footstool of his feet. read more. For by one offering he has fully perfected forever those being sanctified.
Having therefore, brothers, boldness for entrance into the holy things by the blood of Jesus, which he inaugurated for us, a new and living way through the curtain, that is, his flesh, read more. and a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a TRUE heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our body washed in pure water.
who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, agents, and positions of authority, and powers having been subordinated to him.
Behold, he comes with the clouds and every eye will see him, even the men who pierced him. And all the tribes of the earth will wail against him. Yea, Truly.
Morish
This term is constantly applied to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to heaven from whence He came. Joh 3:13. Leading His eleven apostles out as far as Bethany, on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, in the act of blessing them He ascended up to heaven, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. Mr 16:19; Lu 24:50-51; Ac 1:9. The ascension of the Lord Jesus is a momentous fact for His saints: the One who bore their sins on the cross has been received up in glory, and sits on the right hand of God.
As forerunner He has entered into heaven for the saints, and has been made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Heb 6:20. His ascension assured, according to His promise, the descent of the Holy Spirit, which was accomplished at Pentecost. Joh 16:7; Ac 1:4,8; 2. As ascended He became Head of His body the church, Eph 1:22, and gave gifts to men, among which gifts are evangelists who preach to the world, and pastors and teachers to care for and instruct the saints. Ps 68:18; Eph 4:8-13.
His ascension is a demonstration through the presence of the Holy Spirit that sin is in the world and righteousness in heaven, for the very One they rejected has been received by the Father into heaven. Joh 16:10. The ascension is also a tremendous fact for Satan: the prince of this world has been judged who led the world to put the Lord to death; and in His ascension He led captivity captive, having broken the power of death in which men were held, Eph 4:8, for He had in the cross spoiled principalities and powers and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Col 2:15.
Above all, the ascension is a glorious fact for the blessed Lord Himself. Jehovah said unto Him, "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." Ps 110:1. He has taken His place as man where man never was before, and He is also glorified with the glory which He had before the world was, besides the glory which He graciously shares with His saints. Joh 17:5,22.
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Thou have ascended on high. Thou have led captivity captive. Thou have received gifts among men, yea, [among] the rebellious also, that LORD God might dwell [with them].
LORD says to my lord, Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Therefore indeed, the Lord, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
And he led them outside as far as to Bethany, and having lifted up his hands, he blessed them. And it came to pass while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was brought up into heaven.
And no man has ascended into heaven, except he who came down out of heaven: the Son of man who is in heaven.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I depart, for if I do not depart, the helper will not come to you. But whenever I go, I will send him to you.
and about justice because I go to the Father, and ye see me no more,
And now, Father, glorify thou me with thyself with the glory that I had with thee before the world was.
And I, the glory that thou have given me, I have given to them, so that they may be one, just as we are one,
And being assembled together, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, Which, he said, ye heard from me.
But ye will receive the power of the Holy Spirit that comes upon you. And ye will be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and as far as of the extremity of the earth. And having said these things, as they were watching, he was taken up, and a cloud received him from their eyes.
And he subordinated all things under his feet, and appointed him head over all things for the church,
Therefore he says, Having ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.
Therefore he says, Having ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. And what is the ascended, except that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? read more. He who descended is also the same man who ascended high above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things. And indeed he gave the apostles, and the prophets, and the evangelists, and the shepherds and teachers for the perfecting of the sanctified, for the work of ministry, for edification of the body of the Christ. Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to a standard of stature of the fullness of the Christ.
Having stripped the principal offices and the positions of authority, he exposed them openly, having triumphed over them by it.
where the forerunner, Jesus, entered for us, having become a high priest into the age according to the order of Melchizedek.