"The Ascension's Importance to the Gospel"

April 7, 2024

FBC Baxley

am service

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Welcome radio and online guests…

*It’s ok if you’re broken, unfaithful, lost, we are all here seeking God’s will and way and plan.

We are all prodigals here…

Some rescued….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

Sermon Title: “The Ascension’s Importance to the Gospel”

Five Points:

1. He Returns to His Father

2. His seat in the Kingdom

3. He Sends the Holy Spirit

4. His Prayer for Us

5. He Will Return

"The Ascension of Christ and Its Importance to the Gospel Narrative”

Acts 1:6-11

Luke 24:50-53

Acts 1:6-11

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

9 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. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,

11 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.”

-PRAY

Introduction:

As important as the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is to the gospel message, the ascension of Christ is equally crucial.

“Of all the aspects of Christ’s work in his state of exaltation, the Ascension is one of the most overlooked.” (Kevin DeYoung)

If we are to preach and teach the totality of the gospel, we cannot afford to leave out this important part of Christ’s divinity and work.

The ascension is not a new idea or happening. We have previously been aware of ascension in the Old Testament.

David led a victorious procession as the ark of the covenant was returned in First Samuel. The ark of the covenant was vitally important to Israel’s worship of Yahweh. “Psalm 24, 47, 68, and 110 portray an ascent to royal sovereignty, the enthronement of Yahweh as King.” (Letham )

Another instance where we see an ascent is when Moses ascended to Mount Sinai. “9 Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, 10 and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness.Exodus 24:9-10.”

Later in the Old Testament Elijah ascended as he was taken up in a whirlwind into heaven.

We must gather from all of this that as Jesus ascended so shall we ascend beyond anything we have known.

Only Luke in the gospel accounts, describes and shares the details of Christ’s ascension.

Let’s read the passage of Luke 24:50-53. 50 “And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.

51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.

52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.”

As Jesus blesses His disciples, he departs from them and is carried up to heaven.

Elmer Towns shares;”The ascension involves two steps: (1) He was received up into heaven, and (2) He sat down at the right hand of God. These are technically called His ascension and His session.”

***This is the dividing line between Jesus’ birth, earthly ministry, death, burial, and resurrection.

Now Jesus enters His Kingship. His earthly, fleshly ministry is no longer as He was here. His ministry is different now.

Stanley Grenz shares; “the story of the nazarene does not end with Holy week. Rather, as the risen Lord, Jesus is alive now, and as the returning Son of Man His story will continue into the end. Consequently, in addition to His completed task, the New Testament leads us to speak of both Jesus’ present ministry and His future work.”

So you may ask, Why does Christ’s ascension matter? What does the ascension mean for us today? I want to share with you from the scriptures the reasons why the ascension matters to us today.

I. He Returns to His Father (John 16:28, 20:17)

Above everything else and every other speculation, the significance of Jesus' ascension lies in his return to the Father, as he himself declared in John 16:28: "I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

This short, clear statement encapsulates the entirety of his earthly ministry—from his divine origin to his earthly journey and ultimate reunion with the Father.

Even after his resurrection, Jesus's longing to be with his Father was possible.

He spoke this to Mary Magdalene in John 20:17, instructing her, "Do not cling to me, for I have 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.’”

These words emphasize his imminent ascension and the significance of his reunion with the Father, not just for himself, but for all believers.

**So, while the empty cross and tomb symbolize his sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, the empty earth signifies his glorious ascension to heaven.

In essence, Jesus' return to the Father completes the divine cycle, affirming his eternal unity with God and the fulfillment of his earthly mission.

“The ascent of Jesus is a final seal put upon His divinity; it consummates the resurrection, by which He was “declared to be the Son of God with power.”

II. His Seat in the Kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 3:21):

There is a king in the kingdom of God and His name is Jesus.

“He is called “Lord,” a title that would have particular appeal and meaning to Gentile ears.

And he is called “Christ,” which meant so much to Jewish ears. “God has made him both Lord and Christ.”This is made understandable through the ascension.”

The significance of Jesus' ascension stretches beyond a historical event; it is a thunderous resounding in our faith journey.

Initially, Jesus walked among the people, preaching a simple yet profound message of repentance, heralding the nearness of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 4:17).

“Disappearing into the clouds was only half of the story.” (Schreiner )

However, it was only after His ascension that He assumed His rightful place on the throne.

“... as Jesus rose to thee Father, he was installed and recognized as Lord of all.” (Schreiner )

As we visualize the moment when Jesus ascended to His heavenly throne, it gives us such vivid imagery, it’s jaw-dropping.

“Jesus could have left in a myriad of ways, but He left in a way that mirrored a coronation ceremony. A coronation was a ceremony of crowning, and when Jesus was transported up, He was installed as the Lord of all---the king of the universe.” (Schreiner)

While earthly inaugurations and coronations are grand affairs, they pale in comparison to the spectacle of Jesus' enthronement in heaven. “Jesus went up where He was before, but not as He was.” (Smith )

Centuries before this inspiring event, the prophet Daniel foresaw it in a remarkable vision. He described a scene where the "son of man" approached the "Ancient of Days" with clouds of heaven, receiving authority, glory, and sovereign power (Daniel 7:13-14).

“Luke may also have expected readers to have made connections with the ‘cloud as the visible token of God’s glory associated with the tabernacle in the wilderness.” (Orr )

This vision encompasses both Christ's ascension and His eventual return, where all will bow before Him in reverence.

“Now that he is on the throne, seated at the right hand of the Father, the signs expected of the messianic age are being fulfilled before our eyes: the Spirit has been poured out and the nations have begun to turn their hearts to the worship of Israel’s God.” (Burden)

***Jesus desires to share His throne with us.

In the book of Revelation, He promises those who overcome the right to sit with Him on His throne, mirroring His own victorious ascent to His Father's throne (Revelation 3:21).

This promise goes beyond forgiveness; it assures us of our destined reign with Christ in heaven.

Today, the ascension is relevant because it signifies Jesus' reign as the heavenly King, possessing all authority, glory, and power.

As we anticipate the fulfillment of the Lord's Prayer — "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" — we look forward to a time when all wrongs will be righted, and we will reign with Him eternally.

It was at the ascension that Jesus took His rightful place on the throne, paving the way for our glorious destiny alongside Him.

III. He Sends the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 16:7; Acts 2:32-33):

In John 14:16-17, Jesus foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, providing eternal guidance and truth. He states; “16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

This promise emphasizes the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, granting us the strength to navigate challenges, the courage to testify, and the serenity to endure trials, ultimately molding us in the likeness of Christ.

Also, in John 16:7, Jesus explains that his departure is essential for the arrival of the Counselor, highlighting the intricate connection between his ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

It is through Jesus' ascent to heaven that the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon humanity.

As Pentecost approaches, we recall in Acts 2:32-33, we commemorate the pivotal moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon believers, empowering them to proclaim God's wonders in diverse tongues.

Peter, in explaining this event, emphasizes Jesus' resurrection and ascension as pivotal events, affirming that it is through his exaltation that the Holy Spirit is lavishly poured out upon us.

In essence, just as Peter preached to the people of Jerusalem, the empty cross, tomb, and earth signify Jesus' sacrificial death, triumphant resurrection, and glorious ascension.

It is through this ascension that the Holy Spirit is imparted to believers, indwelling us and guiding our spiritual journey in the footsteps of Christ.

IV. His Prayer for Us (Romans 8:34; I John 2:1):

The significance of Jesus' ascension impacts our lives today.

Again…It's not just a historical event; it holds unique implications for our spiritual journey.

As Romans 8:34 reminds us, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

Jesus isn't just seated at the right hand of God; He's actively interceding for us.

His ascension marks the transition from His earthly ministry to His ongoing heavenly ministry of prayer and advocacy on our behalf.

Imagine this: every time someone tells you they're praying for you, it's uplifting and reassuring. It's comforting to know that your church family and friends stand with you in prayer during times of need. We need each other for this reason in our churches today.

But the ascension unveils an even more remarkable truth—Jesus Himself is praying for us ceaselessly. His main ministry in heaven is interceding for you and me.

In Romans 8:34, we are also reminded of the entire redemptive journey—Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension—all culminating in His position at the right hand of God, where He intercedes for us.

He's not distant or disconnected; He's intimately involved in our lives, advocating on our behalf. And if the Almighty is for us, who can stand against us?

So, what does Jesus pray for us? He petitions for our comfort, strength, peace, and holiness.

He desires that we lean on Him during trials, grow spiritually, and withstand temptation.

Even when we falter, He speaks for us in the presence of the Father. 1 John 2:1 assures us; “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Isn’t it amazing to realize that Jesus is praying for us right now?

His prayers are a lifeline, sustaining us through each moment. The very reason you're breathing at this instant might be because of His ongoing intercession.

So, the ascension isn't just a distant event relegated to history; it's a living reality that shapes our present.

It matters profoundly because Jesus, our Savior, continues to pray for us, guiding us through life's journey with His unwavering love and grace.

V. He Will Return (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11):

As we investigate why the ascension holds significance for us today, we also must remember and reflect on the promise of Jesus' return.

“The return of Christ displays the reign of the ascended Christ is not the end. His return is the conclusion.” (Schreiner)

Departing from earthly realms to reunite with the Father, Jesus assured us of his eventual comeback.

In the words of John 14:1-3, he comforts, saying, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

His ascension wasn't a farewell but a promise of his imminent return.

When Jesus ascended, his disciples, gazing upward, were met by two celestial messengers in Acts 1:11, affirming, "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.”

The ascension, then, signifies not only Jesus' departure but also heralds his eventual reappearance and return. It underscores our active role in the interim.

Instead of idly staring into the heavens, we're called to engage in the divine work, advancing God's kingdom through sharing His glorious gospel.

Our tasks encompass sharing the Gospel so others may embrace Christ and deepening our own discipleship to amplify his message.

Action Steps: As we anticipate Jesus' return, our mission is clear: to actively serve, to spread hope, and to illuminate the path for others until the day of his glorious return.

Conclusion:

In closing, the ascension of Christ is not merely an event of departure but a triumphal ascent that ushers in a new era of empowered witness and divine authority.

As Patrick Schreiner said; “On earth Jesus was designated as king, at His ascension He was installed as king,

On earth He conquered the forces of darkness, at His ascension He was enthroned above the spiritual beings, and on earth, He laid the foundation for His church, and at His ascension, He became head over the world and church.”

As we reflect on it, may we be inspired to embrace our role in the ongoing narrative of God's redemptive plan.

The ascension challenges us to live in the reality of Christ's lordship, actively participating in the proclamation of repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of the gospel to the ends of the earth.

“If the image of the ascension is less central to us today, if it has become a “forgettable event,” perhaps this is because we have lost a sense of what connects the gospel events into a coherent whole.” (De Sapio)

-PRAY

-Invitation