After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. – Acts 1:9
The Promise of the Ascension
The ascension of Jesus is a pivotal event in our Christian faith. It marks the moment when Jesus, after completing His earthly mission, returned to the Father in Heaven. This act not only fulfilled the prophecies but also reassured us of His divine nature and promised us the Holy Spirit. As we reflect on the ascension, we see how it gives us hope and inspires us. The promise that Jesus is not just gone but is actively involved in our lives should encourage us to live boldly for Him.
Luke 24:51
While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. – Luke 24:51
Mark 16:19
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. – Mark 16:19
Acts 1:2
Until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. – Acts 1:2
Acts 1:3
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. – Acts 1:3
Acts 1:11
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:11
The Significance of the Ascension
Understanding the significance of Jesus’ ascension is crucial in our spiritual walk. This event assures us that Jesus reigns over all. Think about it, He is not just distant but actively involved in our lives and intercedes for us. It is also a reminder that we have a mission; Jesus left to give us the Holy Spirit, empowering us to share the good news. The ascension inspires our hope and calls us to action, reminding us that Jesus is coming back and we are part of God’s grand plan.
Ephesians 4:8
This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” – Ephesians 4:8
Hebrews 4:14
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. – Hebrews 4:14
Hebrews 7:26
Such a high priest truly meets our need – one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. – Hebrews 7:26
Philippians 2:9
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. – Philippians 2:9
Colossians 3:1
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. – Colossians 3:1
The Hope of Christ’s Return
As we contemplate the ascension, it fills us with hope for the future. Jesus’ departure is not the end; it is a promise of His return. We are reminded that just as He ascended, He will come back for us. This future hope comforts us during difficult times and encourages us to share our faith with others. We look forward to the day when we will be united with Him again. This promise brings joy and strengthens our faith as we await our Savior’s return.
John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. – John 14:3
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Revelation 1:7
Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. – Revelation 1:7
Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Revelation 22:12
Matthew 24:30
Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. – Matthew 24:30
The Role of the Holy Spirit
As Jesus ascended, He promised to send us the Holy Spirit, who is essential for our spiritual lives. The Holy Spirit guides, empowers, and comforts us as we navigate in our Christian faith. We are never alone because the Spirit dwells within us, helping us to grow in our relationship with God. The ascension of Christ signifies the beginning of a journey filled with the Spirit’s work in our hearts, leading us to be fruitful and impactful in our communities.
John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. – John 14:26
Acts 2:4
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. – Acts 2:4
Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. – Romans 8:26
1 Corinthians 12:7
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. – 1 Corinthians 12:7
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
The Ascension and Our Identity
The ascension of Jesus also speaks to our identity as believers. When we acknowledge that Christ has ascended, we realize that we are adopted into His family. We are co-heirs with Christ, which means that we share in all He has. Our identity in Christ shapes how we live, interact with others, and serve in our communities. Knowing that we are seated with Him in heavenly realms should inspire us to live out our faith with confidence and purpose.
Ephesians 2:6
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. – Ephesians 2:6
Romans 8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. – Romans 8:17
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9
Colossians 1:13
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. – Colossians 1:13
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
The Joy of the Ascension
The ascension ultimately brings us joy. We serve a risen Lord who reigns in glory, and that is a reason to celebrate. The joy of the ascension reminds us that our faith is alive and active. The focus shifts from His earthly ministry to His heavenly reign, giving us assurance of our salvation and eternal life. Our hearts should be filled with joy as we recognize the gifts and blessings that flow from knowing our Savior is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Psalm 110:1
The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” – Psalm 110:1
Acts 2:33
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. – Acts 2:33
Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. – Hebrews 1:3
John 20:17
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” – John 20:17
Luke 24:52-53
Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. – Luke 24:52-53
Final Thoughts
The ascension of Jesus is not just a historical fact; it is a significant part of our faith. It assures us of God’s plan and the promise of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded to live in hope, waiting for Christ’s return and empowered for our Christian mission. As we dwell on this powerful event, let us embrace our identity in Christ and spread the joy that comes with knowing that He reigns in heaven. Together, we will continue to grow in faith and share His love with the world.
As we reflect on the ascension, I encourage you to explore more topics in the Bible that deepen your connection to God. There’s so much wisdom to uncover, such as the gates of heaven and other inspiring scriptures to strengthen your faith.