The Ascension of Christ

The Ascension of Christ (Sunday 5/16/21)

This past Thursday was the 40th day since the resurrection of Jesus Christ, or the celebration of Easter if you will.

For 40 days Jesus walked among mankind and showed Himself to be alive. All that He did during those 40 days is not recorded for us, but His final moments are.

His day of ascension into heaven.

So, let’s take a closer look at that and what it might mean for us.

Why He must go: John 16:7-11 – (Without His leaving there would be no receiving of the Holy Spirit and thereby the indwelling of God in our lives.

The promise of His return: John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Luke 24:44-53 – (He led them out to Bethany)

Acts 1:1-9 – (They returned to Jerusalem from Olivet, at or within close proximity to Bethany)

Mark 16:19-20; 19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Which was foretold in Psalm 110:1

Psalm 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

So, what does it all mean?

Because He went, we have an Intercessor, Access, Confidence, and Assurance.

We Have An Intercessor: Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercessionfor them.

· 1 John 2:1 says He is our advocate. Turn, read, mark.

We Have Access: Hebrews 10:19-20 – 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (His flesh being torn for us)

· Because of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross we can not talk to God ourselves. We have access and HE hears us. Read the Psalms!

· I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2. (That’s just one of many)

We Have Confidence: Hebrews 4:14-16 – 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

· Cling to that which you have professed to be true – Romans 10:9, then knowing what is true, come boldly to the throne of grace.

We Have The Assurance Of His Return: Acts 1:10-11 – 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

Because HE has passed into heaven and is ever present before God, HE is able to answer all accusation against the Church. As advocate, HE speaks for us. As Lord/Master and King HE’s coming back. Not just to get us but to rule and reign over HIS Kingdom here on earth.

God is Spirit and ever present in our lives, the Lord is ever present in our hearts, and YET we are ever absent from Him in body, soul, and spirit, (In body from His church, In soul from seeking Him, In spirit from dwelling with Him), missing out on the fact that we are one with the Father and the Son, choosing instead to live in and amongst the filth of this world when we could be camped out at His feet.

Even for those of us who take time out to have a quiet time with HIM, when we are done, we more often than not get up and get out – leaving God behind.

All that HE did, HE did that we might live forever in HIS presence. HE even prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17:20-21.

For those who have not received all that Jesus has done, back in Luke 24: 47 Jesus said, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

If you believe all the Christ has done in coming, suffering, dying, living yet again and now ascended into heaven – if you believe all of that – you must repent of our sins, (that is turn from your wicked ways, your sinful life), confessing Jesus as Lord, believing in your hearts that God has raised Him from the dead, and then surrender your will to His and follow Him. With repentance come remission of sin. IN THAT! You will be saved and receive eternal life.