The Ascension of Jesus is an often-overlooked event in our presentation of the gospel. In the past few years, the ascension has become more prominent in my understanding of “where we are now.” And, “what we are looking for in the future.”
I don’t know why, but in the past the ascension of Jesus only meant that he went to heaven to do some good stuff – like pray for us – but mostly he’s just waiting for the time of the second coming. The ascension was a pause in God’s plan, and it gave the church a chance to do its job with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
After looking for the ascension in Scripture, I have seen that it is an essential part of the good news!
The ascension of Jesus is an exaltation event. It affirms the deity of Jesus. It affirms the authority of Jesus.
Acts 2:33-36 “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
“The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”
Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
The ascension is the exaltation of Jesus at the right hand of God. He is God and the Messiah King. The ascension was him taking his place as ruler!
The ascension of Jesus was the beginning of Christ’s rule and reign from heaven.
We often think of Christ’s reign as some future event. Scripture reminds us that Jesus is ruling and reigning now – even if not everyone recognizes it.
Jesus himself said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)
Colossians 1:19b-23 “that power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
There is a future fulfillment, when all the promises of His Kingdom will be fulfilled and enjoyed. Paul wrote that Christ will reign until all enemies are put under his feet – even death. Future fulfillment doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t reign now. And that we can’t experience the blessings of living under his reign in the present.
The ascension of Jesus brought the perfect sacrifice into the heavenly temple.
In the ascension, Jesus came into the Most Holy Temple, where God himself dwells forever. And he became our perfect mediator. He came to establish the new covenant in his blood.
Hebrews 9:11,12 “he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. …he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood.”
Hebrews calls this “the new order.” Christ started a new order when he came to the presence of God with the perfect sacrifice. It’s this gift that assures us our eternal inheritance and a free conscience.
The ascension of Jesus assures that we are with him as part of his kingdom.
We reign with him, as a holy nation and a royal priesthood.
Ephesians 2:4-6 “But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…”
Ruling doesn’t necessarily mean we are in control. We know only Christ is in control. Our place and authority is lived out in humility, service, and sacrifice – this is the love Jesus showed us.
Heaven’s View
I think one of the great pictures of the ascension is in Revelation 5. It gives us a window into the heavenly scene.
Rev. 5:6-10 “Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song.
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language
and people and nation.
You have made them to be a
kingdom and priests to
serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”
It’s a precious thing to remember Christ on the cross. It reminds us of his deep love for all who are trapped in sin and death. It’s a powerful thing to remember Christ as risen. It reminds us that he alone holds the power of life, and he has assured us our share in his resurrection power. It’s a glorious thing to remember Christ’s ascension. He is King Jesus. He now has authority over all the created order. And he calls us to walk in humble obedience to him and his ways.
When you share the message of Jesus, don’t forget to share this important part of the gospel message. The good news is the world is not out of control. Jesus reigns on high. He is worthy of our worship. He is faithful to his promises.