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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Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. Many mansions are in the house of my Father; but if it were not so, I would have told you; because I go to prepare a place for you.
But now I tell you the truth; it is profitable to you that I may go away. For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I may go, I will send Him to you. And having come, He will convict the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment. read more. Concerning sin indeed, because they do not believe on me; and concerning righteousness; because I go to the Father, and you see me no more; and concerning judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned. I have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, may come, He will guide you in all truth: for He will not speak from Himself; but so many things as He hears, He will speak: and will proclaim to you the things which are coming. He will glorify me: because He will receive from mine, and proclaim them unto you.
And having spoken these words, they looking, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him from their eyes.
Ye Galilean men, why stand you looking up into the heaven? this same Jesus, the One having been received up into the heaven, will so come in the manner in which you saw Him going up into the heaven.
Then, brethren, having boldness unto the entering in of the holies through the blood of Jesus, by which he has opened unto us a new and living way, through the veil, that is, of 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 heaven: and all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and will see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and much glory.
But when the Son of min may come in His glory, and all His angels with Him, then will He sit upon the throne of His glory:
Jesus says to him, Thou didst say it. Moreover I say unto you, that, Hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
For whosoever may be ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and wicked generation, the Son of man shall also be ashamed of him, when He may come in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.
But he says to them, Fear not: you are seeking Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified: He is risen; He is not here: see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, that He goes before you into Galilee: you shall see Him there, as He told you. read more. And having come out from the sepulcher, they fled; and trembling and ecstasy possessed them, and they said nothing to any one; for they were afraid. OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT
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And the apostles having returned, expounded unto Him how many things they did. And taking them He departed privately into a desert place, belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the multitudes having found out, followed Him And receiving them, He spoke to them concerning the kingdom of God, and healed those having need of healing.
And it came to pass after these discourses, about eight days, and taking Peter and John and James, He went up into the mountain to pray. And it came to pass while He was praying, the appearance of His countenance was changed, and His raiment shining white. read more. And behold two men were talking with Him, who were Moses and Elijah: who being seen in glory, was speaking of His departure which He was about to perfect in Jerusalem.
who being seen in glory, was speaking of His departure which He was about to perfect in Jerusalem. And Peter and those who were along with Him, were burdened with sleep. And having watched through the night, they saw His glory and the two men who were standing with him. read more. It came to pass when they departed from Him, Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah: not knowing what he says. And he speaking these things there was a cloud, and it overshadowed them; and they were afraid while they were entering into the cloud. And there was a voice from the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear ye Him. And while the voice is heard, Jesus is found alone. And they were silent, and they told no one during those days any of those things which they had seen
And it came to pass while the days of His taking up were being fulfilled, and He turned His face to go to Jerusalem,
And He led them out even unto Bethany; and having lifted up His hands, He blessed them. And it came to pass, while He was blessing them, He departed from them, and was carried up into heaven.
And it came to pass, while He was blessing them, He departed from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
If then you may see the Son of man ascending up, where He was formerly?
Then Jesus said, Yet a little while I am with you, and I go to Him that sent me.
And He spoke this concerning the Spirit, whom those believing on Him were about to receive: for the Spirit was not yet; because Jesus was not yet glorified.
And if I may be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men towards me.
And if I may go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; in order that you may also be where I am.
Vet a little while, and the world sees me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also.
You heard that I said to you, I go away, and I come to you. If you love me with divine love, you would rejoice, because I go to my Father: because the Father is greater than I.
But now I tell you the truth; it is profitable to you that I may go away. For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I may go, I will send Him to you.
I came out from the Father, and have come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
Jesus says to her, Cling not to me; for I have not ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and tell them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.
Therefore indeed having assembled, they asked Him saying, Lord, do you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? He said to them; It is not your province, to know the times or seasons, which the Father placed in His own authority. read more. But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost having come upon you, and shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and all Judea, and in Samaria, and into the extremity of the earth. And having spoken these words, they looking, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him from their eyes. And while they were gazing up into the heaven, He going, and behold, two men stood by them in white garments, who also said, Ye Galilean men, why stand you looking up into the heaven? this same Jesus, the One having been received up into the heaven, will so come in the manner in which you saw Him going up into the heaven. Then they returned into Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, being a journey of a Sabbath day.
Then they returned into Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, being a journey of a Sabbath day.
It is God who justifies: who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died, and rather who is risen, who is on the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding in our behalf.
which he has wrought in Christ, raising him from the dead, and seating him on his right hand in the heavenlies,
Therefore he says, Having ascended upon high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to the people.
For our citizenship is in the heavens; whence we are indeed looking for our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first;
And assuredly great is the mystery of godliness; Who is manifested in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, was seen of angels, was preached among the Gentiles, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
who being the brightness of his glory, and the character of his person, and holding up all things by the word of his power, having made purgation of the sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Therefore having a great high priest, having entered into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the testimony.
And every high priest indeed stands daily ministering, and frequently offering the same sacrifices, which are never able to take away sins: and he, having offered up one sacrifice for sins, forever sat down on the right hand of God;
and he, having offered up one sacrifice for sins, forever sat down on the right hand of God; finally waiting until his enemies may be made the foot-stool of his feet. read more. For by one offering he has forever perfected the sanctified.
Then, brethren, having boldness unto the entering in of the holies through the blood of Jesus, by which he has opened unto us a new and living way, through the veil, that is, of his flesh, read more. and having a great high priest over the house of God; let us draw nigh with a true heart in a full assurance of faith, having been sprinkled as to our hearts from an evil conscience,
who is on the right hand of God, having gone up into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being subordinated unto him.
Behold, he is coming with clouds; and every eye shall behold him, even those who pierced him, and all the tribes of the earth will wail at him; yes, Amen.
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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And He led them out even unto Bethany; and having lifted up His hands, He blessed them. And it came to pass, while He was blessing them, He departed from them, and was carried up into heaven.
No one hath ascended up into heaven, but the one having come down from heaven, the Son of man, who is in heaven.
But now I tell you the truth; it is profitable to you that I may go away. For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I may go, I will send Him to you.
because I go to the Father, and you see me no more;
And now, Father, glorify thou me with thyself with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
And I have given unto them the glory which thou hast given unto me; in order that they may be one, as we are one;
and being assembled together with them, He commanded them, Not to depart from Jerusalem, but to await the promise of the Father which ye heard from me;
But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost having come upon you, and shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and all Judea, and in Samaria, and into the extremity of the earth. And having spoken these words, they looking, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him from their eyes.
and has subordinated all things beneath his feet, and given him to be head over all things to the church,
Therefore he says, Having ascended upon high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to the people.
Therefore he says, Having ascended upon high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to the people. But what is that which ascended, except that which descended into the lower parts of the earth? read more. But the one having descended and the one having ascended above all the heavens, that he might fill all things, is the same. And he gave some, apostles; some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; unto the perfection of the saints, in the work of the ministry, in the edification of the body of Christ: until we may all come into the unity of the faith, and of the perfect knowledge of the Son of God, into a perfect man, into the measure of the likeness of the fulness of Christ:
having destroyed governments and authorities, he made a public exhibition of them triumphing over them on it.
whither Jesus the forerunner has entered in our behalf, having been made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.