Ascension

What is the ascension?

Eerdmans Bible Dictionary 1

The departure of Christ to the Father in heaven at the end of his earthly ministry

Noting that this article says “earthly Ministry” is something important to hold on to.

Luke 24:50–53 ESV

And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Acts 1:9–11 ESV

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Psalm 110:1 ESV

The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

How do you see this prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament account of Jesus’ ascension?

Daniel 7:13–14 ESV

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

What are the similarities between Daniel’s vision and the Ascension of Jesus? How does this strengthen your faith in the reliability of prophecy?

Enoch: In the Old Testament, Enoch is one of the earliest figures mentioned to have ascended. Genesis 5:24 states, "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him." This passage is often interpreted to mean that Enoch was taken up by God, bypassing death. The nature of his ascension is unique and signifies his righteousness and close relationship with God.

Elijah: Elijah's ascension is one of the more dramatic and detailed accounts in the Bible. 2 Kings 2:11 describes how Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. "And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." Elijah's ascension occurs in the presence of his successor, Elisha, and signifies the end of his prophetic ministry on earth and the continuation of his spiritual legacy through Elisha.

Jesus Christ: The most significant ascension in the Christian faith is that of Jesus Christ, detailed in the New Testament. After his resurrection, Jesus is described as ascending into heaven in the presence of his disciples. Luke 24:51 says, "While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven." And Acts 1:9 adds, "As they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight." The ascension of Jesus is central to Christian theology, signifying his exaltation and enthronement, as well as the promise of his return.

What does he do as our high priest?

Spiritual Leadership: The High Priest was the chief religious leader of the Israelites, responsible for maintaining the spiritual welfare of the people. He represented the people before God and was seen as a mediator between God and Israel.

Overseeing the Tabernacle/Temple Worship: The High Priest had overall responsibility for the services, sacrifices, and rituals conducted in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple of Jerusalem. This included ensuring that the worship was according to the laws and ordinances as prescribed in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament).

Performing Sacrifices: One of the central duties was to conduct and oversee various animal sacrifices as required by Mosaic Law. This included daily offerings, special holiday sacrifices, and offerings made for specific purposes like purification or thanksgiving.

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) Rituals: The most solemn duty of the High Priest was to officiate the rituals of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This was the only day in the year when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies, the innermost and most sacred area of the Temple, to make atonement for his sins and the sins of the people. He would offer a special sacrifice and sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant.

Wearing the Urim and Thummim: The High Priest wore the breastplate (the Hoshen), which contained the Urim and Thummim, tools used for divination to discern God's will in certain matters.

Teaching and Interpreting the Law: The High Priest had a role in teaching the Law of Moses to the people and making legal decisions based on the Torah. He was a key figure in maintaining and interpreting the religious laws and traditions.

Maintaining Ritual Purity: The High Priest had to maintain a high standard of ritual purity and follow strict regulations concerning marriage, contact with the dead, and other activities.

Representing the Nation on Festivals: The High Priest played a prominent role during major religious festivals like Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, and Pentecost, leading the ceremonies and sacrifices.

The High Priesthood was a hereditary position, traditionally traced from Aaron, the brother of Moses. Over time, especially during the Second Temple period, the office of the High Priest became more politically influential and was sometimes subject to external (including Roman) influences.

In Christianity, Jesus Christ is often referred to as the High Priest, particularly in the New Testament book of Hebrews. This is a theological designation indicating that Jesus, through his death and resurrection, fulfills and surpasses the role of the Old Testament High Priest, offering a final, perfect sacrifice for sin and mediating a new covenant between God and humanity.

Spiritual Leadership: Jesus, as the High Priest, provides the ultimate spiritual leadership, guiding believers into a relationship with God. He is often referred to as the "Good Shepherd," signifying his role in leading, nurturing, and protecting his followers (John 10:11).

Overseeing Worship: Instead of overseeing worship in a physical temple, Jesus introduces a new form of worship, one based on spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). This transcends and fulfills the temple worship by focusing on a direct relationship with God through Christ.

Perfect Sacrifice: The central aspect of Christ's fulfillment of the High Priest role is his function as the sacrificial lamb. Unlike the High Priests who repeatedly offered sacrifices, Jesus offered himself once and for all as a perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 7:27, 9:26). This act is believed to atone for the sins of humanity completely and eternally.

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) Rituals: Jesus fulfills the symbolism of Yom Kippur by entering not the earthly Holy of Holies, but the heavenly one, offering his own blood for atonement. His sacrifice is seen as effective for all time, unlike the annual sacrifices of the High Priests (Hebrews 9:12, 24-26).

Urim and Thummim: While the Urim and Thummim were used for divine guidance in the Old Testament, Christ fulfills this role as the ultimate source of truth and guidance. He is described as the Word (John 1:1), the ultimate revelation of God's will.

Teaching and Interpreting the Law: Jesus is seen as the ultimate teacher and interpreter of the Law. He famously states that he did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). His teachings provide the deepest and most profound interpretation of God's law.

Ritual Purity: Christ transcends the concept of ritual purity, offering purity and holiness through his sacrifice. By his death and resurrection, believers are seen as being made spiritually pure and righteous in God's sight (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Representing the Nation on Festivals: Jesus fulfills and reinterprets the Jewish festivals through his life, death, and resurrection. For example, his death during Passover is seen as the ultimate Passover sacrifice, and his resurrection during the Feast of Firstfruits as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20).

What does he do as our King?

Religious Responsibilities Uphold God's Law: The king was expected to live according to God's law and ensure that the people did the same. He was to lead the nation in faithfulness to the covenant with God (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).

Promote True Worship: The king had a role in maintaining and promoting the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This included overseeing temple worship, participating in religious festivals, and sometimes leading national prayers or repentance.Military Leadership

Defense and Warfare: Kings were responsible for the defense of the kingdom. This involved leading the army in battle, developing military strategies, and fortifying cities (1 Samuel 8:20).Expansion and Security: A king might also lead campaigns to expand the kingdom's territories or to secure its borders from neighboring enemies.Judicial and Legal Authority

Uphold Justice: Kings were expected to administer justice and ensure that the law was applied fairly (2 Samuel 8:15). This included resolving disputes and punishing lawbreakers.

Protect the Vulnerable: Part of their role was to care for the vulnerable in society, such as widows, orphans, and the poor (Psalm 72:12-14).Administrative Duties

Manage Resources and Taxation: Kings managed the nation's resources, which included collecting taxes, storing national reserves, and overseeing agriculture and trade.

Public Works: They were also responsible for major public works projects, like building temples, palaces, fortresses, and infrastructure.Covenantal Role

Representative of the People Before God: In a theocratic sense, the king represented the nation before God. His righteousness or wickedness could have profound implications for the entire nation (1 Kings 11:11-13).

Instrument of God's Will: Kings were seen as instruments through whom God would accomplish His purposes, whether in blessing or judgment.Examples of Old Testament Kings

King David: Celebrated for his military victories, religious devotion, and establishment of Jerusalem as the nation's capital and religious center.

King Solomon: Known for his wisdom, building the First Temple, and expanding Israel's wealth and influence, but also for leading the nation into idolatry. Spiritual and Eternal Kingship Ultimate Authority Over God's Law: Unlike Old Testament kings who were subject to God's law, Jesus, as part of the Trinity, embodies and authoritatively interprets God's law (Matthew 5:17-20). He brings a deeper understanding of the law, emphasizing its spirit rather than just its letter. Perfect Worship Leader: Jesus leads not in external temple worship but in true spiritual worship (John 4:23-24). His teachings, life, and sacrifice redirect worship from a physical temple to a personal, spiritual experience with God.

King of Peace and Justice

Establishing Eternal Peace: Rather than engaging in military conquests, Jesus brings a message of peace and reconciliation, first between God and humanity and also among people (Ephesians 2:14-17).

Administering Perfect Justice: As King, Jesus epitomizes perfect justice, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed, and teaching principles of fairness and love (Matthew 23:23).Universal and Everlasting Reign 4

King Over All Nations: Unlike earthly kings who ruled specific territories, Christ is depicted as the King over all nations and peoples, transcending geographic and cultural boundaries (Revelation 15:3-4).

Eternal Kingdom: His kingdom is described as everlasting, not confined to a temporal or earthly reign but encompassing an eternal dimension (Daniel 7:14, Luke 1:33).Divine Representative

Incarnation: Jesus, as God incarnate, represents God directly to humanity, unlike Old Testament kings who were representatives of the people before God.

Fulfilling God's Will: Jesus perfectly accomplishes God's will, providing redemption and establishing God's kingdom through his life, death, and resurrection.Personal and Accessible Ruler

Leading by Service and Sacrifice: Contrary to the typical ancient monarch, Jesus leads by serving others and sacrificing himself for their sake (Mark 10:45, John 13:1-17).

Direct Relationship with His Subjects: Jesus invites a personal and direct relationship with his followers, emphasizing love and personal transformation over legalistic rule-following.

Conclusion In Christian understanding, Jesus Christ fulfills the role of King not by literal political dominion or military might, but through his spiritual reign, moral and ethical teachings, sacrificial love, and eternal authority. His kingship is characterized by spiritual leadership, universal authority, and an eternal, peace-bringing reign that transforms the hearts and lives of his followers. This conception of kingship redefines and elevates the concept to a spiritual and eternal plane, aligning it with the ultimate purposes of God's kingdom as portrayed in Christian theology.

Why does this matter?

Hebrews 7:25 ESV

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 8:1–2 ESV

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.

Hebrews 4:14–16 ESV

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

John Calvin on Jesus as our Advocate:

"Christ intercedes for us, not by the bowing of his knees or the utterance of words, but by the management of his power and his dominion, by which he is able to prevail with the Father." (Commentary on Hebrews 7:25)Context: This quote can be used in discussing Hebrews 8:1-2 and the role of Jesus as our High Priest.

Charles Spurgeon on the Ascension and Christ's Reign:

"This same Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven. He who is gone to the throne is still the Jesus of the people, still remembers his brethren, still looks upon them with eyes of love." (Sermon on Acts 1:11)Context: Useful when exploring Ephesians 1:20-22 and the Kingship of Christ.

R.C. Sproul on the Significance of the Ascension:

"The Ascension of Christ is his coronation ceremony. Jesus went into the Holy of Holies in heaven, the true sanctuary which the Lord pitched and not man, there to appear now in the presence of God for us." (Sermon on the Ascension)Context: This can be related to the discussion on Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13-14.

Alistair Begg on the Comfort of the Ascension:

"The Ascension of Jesus is a source of great encouragement to us. Because Jesus ascended and is seated at the right hand of the Father, he intercedes for us as our Priest and rules over all things for our good as our King." (Sermon on the Ascension)Context: Helpful for the section on practical implications for believers (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Tim Keller on Jesus' Ascension and our Access to God:

"By his Ascension and sitting at the right hand of the Father, Jesus is now exercising the authority that is rightly his. Through him, we have access to the Father, not as subjects to a king, but as children to a father." (Sermon on the Ascension)Context: Pertinent to discussions on the believers’ access to God.

Martin Luther on Christ's Ascension as Our Victory:

"This is our comfort and the establishment of our faith – that Christ sits on high, ruling and reigning, and all enemies are placed under his feet." (Table Talk on the Ascension)Context: Can be used to discuss the assurance and hope we have because of the Ascension.