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 hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust in me also. In my Father's house there are many rooms If it were not so, would I have told you that I went to prepare a place for you?
"Yet?? am telling you the truth??y going is for your good. For unless I go away the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart I will send him unto you. And he, when he comes, will convict the world of sins and of righteousness and of judgment; read more. of sin, because they do not believe in me; of righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you will no longer see me; and of judgement, because the Prince of this world has been judged. "I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them just now. But when he is come, that Spirit of Truth, he will guide you into the whole truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but all that he hears he will speak, and will make known to you that which is to come. He will glorify me; for he will take of what is mine and will make known to you.
When he had said this, and while they were looking at him, he was lifted up, and a cloud received him up out of their sight.
and they said: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into the sky will come back in just the same way as you have seen him going into the sky."
Since, then, we have a cheerful confidence, brothers, to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, that new and living way, through the veil (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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"Then the signs of the Son of man will appear in the sky; and then all the tribes of the earth will lament, when they see the Son of man coming upon the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.
"But when the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then will he take his seat on the throne of his glory;
"I am He," Jesus answered; "yet I tell you that from this time on you will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming upon the clouds of heaven."
Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this unfaithful and wicked generation, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
They were terrified, but he said to them. "Do not be terrified! You are seeking Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified? He is risen; he is not here. See, the place where they laid him! But go, tell his disciples and Peter, "'He is going before you into Galilee, where you will see him, as he told you.'" read more. So they went out, and ran from the tomb, for they were trembling and amazed; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid??9 Now after his resurrection, early on the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons.
She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
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.
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.
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.
On their return the apostles told him what they had done. and he took them and withdrew in private to a town called Bethsaida. But when the crowd learned this they followed him. He received them kindly and spoke to them concerning the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed restored to good health.
About eight days after this it happened that Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying the appearances of his countenance became different, and his clothing became white and dazzling. read more. And suddenly there were two men talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah. These appeared in glory and talked about his departure which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
These appeared in glory and talked about his departure which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep; but when they were fully awake they saw his glory, and the two men were standing beside him. read more. And when they were preparing to depart from him Peter said to Jesus. "Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"??ot knowing what he was saying. And while he was saying this, there came a cloud and began to overshadow them; and they were awestruck as they entered into the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying. "This is my Son, my chosen one; listen to him." When the voice ceased Jesus was found alone. And they held their peace, and told no one at that time about what they had seen.
When now when the time drew near for him to be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
And he led them out until they were over against Bethany; and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And it happened that while he was blessing them, that he parted from them and was carried into heaven.
And it happened that while he was blessing them, that he parted from them and was carried into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
"Does this displease you? What then if you were to behold the Son of man ascending to where he was before?
Then Jesus said to them. "Still for a little longer I am with you, and then I am going my way to him who sent me.
Now he said this concerning the Spirit whom those who believed in him should receive. For the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
"AND I, IF I BE LIFTED UP FROM THE EARTH, WILL DRAW ALL MEN UNTO MYSELF."
I will return and will take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be also.
"Yet a little while and the world shall see me no more, but you shall see me; because I live, you, too, shall live.
"You heard me tell you, 'I am going away, and yet I am coming to you.' If you loved me you would have been glad because I said 'I am going to the Father,' for my Father is greater than I.
"Yet?? am telling you the truth??y going is for your good. For unless I go away the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart I will send him unto you.
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world. again, I am leaving the world, and am going to the Father."
"Do not cling to me," said Jesus, "for I am not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, "'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
So, when they came together, they began to ask him, "Master, are you at this time about to restore the kingdom of Israel?" He answered. "It is not for you to know times and occasions which the Father has fixed in his own authority; read more. "yet you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you are to be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth." When he had said this, and while they were looking at him, he was lifted up, and a cloud received him up out of their sight. While they were gazing into the sky as he was going up, suddenly there were two men in white garments standing by them, and they said: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into the sky will come back in just the same way as you have seen him going into the sky." Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, about a Sabbath Day's journey distant.
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, about a Sabbath Day's journey distant.
Who is there to condemn them? Will Christ who died? Yes, and who rose from the dead, The Christ who is also at the right hand of God, And is interceding for us?
which he exercised in raising Christ from the dead, and in seating him at his right hand in the heavenly heights,
Thus it is said, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts to men.
But commonwealth is in heaven; and it is from heaven also that we are anxiously awaiting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,
For the Lord himself with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will descend from heaven. Then the dead in Christ will rise first.
Yes! without contradiction, great is the mystery of godliness!
He being an emanation of God's glory and stamp of his substance, and upholding the universe by the utterances of his power, after by himself making purification of our sins, has taken his seat on the right hand of the Majesty on High.
For while every priest stands, day after day, at his ministrations, and many times repeats the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins, this Priest, after offering one Sacrifice for sins, sat down forever on God's right hand;
this Priest, after offering one Sacrifice for sins, sat down forever on God's right hand; henceforth waiting until his enemies be put as the footstool of his feet. read more. For by one single offering he has perfected forever those whom he is sanctifying.
Since, then, we have a cheerful confidence, brothers, to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, that new and living way, through the veil (that is, his flesh); read more. and since we have a great High Priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled from and evil conscience, and our bodies bathed in pure water.
He is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; to Him angels and authorities and powers have been made subject.
Behold, he is about to come among the clouds; and every eye will see him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. So shall it be, 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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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.
And he led them out until they were over against Bethany; and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And it happened that while he was blessing them, that he parted from them and was carried into heaven.
There is no one gone up to heaven, except the One who came down from heaven??he Son of man himself.
"Yet?? am telling you the truth??y going is for your good. For unless I go away the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart I will send him unto you.
of righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you will no longer see me; and of judgement,
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with own self, with the glory I had with thee before the world began.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one even as we are one,
And once when he was eating with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father. "Of this," he said, "you have heard from me.
"yet you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you are to be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth." When he had said this, and while they were looking at him, he was lifted up, and a cloud received him up out of their sight.
God has put all things under Christ's feet, and placed him as Head over all in the church,
Thus it is said, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts to men.
Thus it is said, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts to men. Now surely this "he ascended" implies that he also descended into the lower part of the earth. read more. He who descended is he who ascended above the highest heaven, that he might fill the universe. It is he who made some men apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, in order to equip the saints for the work of serving, for the building up of the Body of Christ??13 till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to the maturity of manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
Principalities and powers he disarmed, and openly displayed them as his trophies, when he triumphed over them in the cross.
whither Jesus himself is entered as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.