Jesus Ascends to Heaven
The ascension of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event in the Christian narrative. It’s essential for understanding the completion of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the inauguration of his heavenly reign, and the ongoing work of the church. This article will examine the biblical accounts of the ascension, explore its theological implications, and its enduring significance for Christian faith and practice.
Biblical Accounts of the Ascension
Jesus ascending to heaven is most explicitly described in the opening chapter of the Book of Acts. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples over a period of forty days, “speaking about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). Luke records that Jesus led the disciples out as far as Bethany, where he blessed them. “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” (Acts 1:9). The narrative continues with two men in white robes–interpreted as angels–who assure the disciples that “this Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
The Gospel of Luke, written by the same author as Acts, provides a harmonious account: “While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven” (Luke 24:51). Mark’s Gospel, though more succinct, affirms the event: “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19).
These passages, together with references in the epistles, form the scriptural foundation for the doctrine of the ascension.
Theological Implications of the Ascension
The ascension of Jesus Christ is a theological hinge, connecting the earthly ministry of Jesus with his ongoing work as exalted Lord. Several key themes emerge from the biblical witness:
Exaltation and Enthronement
The ascension marks the exaltation of Jesus to the right hand of God, a position of supreme authority and honor - a declaration of Jesus’ lordship over all creation. The apostle Paul writes, “He raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” (Ephesians 1:20-21). The imagery of sitting at the right hand evokes Psalm 110:1, a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus: “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’”
Jesus’s heavenly throne symbolizes his role as mediator between God and humanity. The author of Hebrews declares, “After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). The ascension, therefore, was a transition to a new mode of presence and authority.
The Sending of the Holy Spirit
Jesus ascends to heaven to also send the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself taught that his departure was necessary for the Spirit to come: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). He is preparing the way for Pentecost, when the Spirit is poured out on the church, empowering believers for witness and service.
This connection is made explicit in Acts 1, where Jesus instructs the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for “the promise of the Father,” assuring them, “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” (Acts 1:8). The ascension and Pentecost are inseparable events in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
The Ongoing Intercession of Jesus
Another vital aspect of the ascension is Jesus’ ongoing ministry of intercession. Having entered the heavenly sanctuary, Jesus acts as High Priest on behalf of his people. The letter to the Hebrews emphasizes this role: “He holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 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 7:24-25).
This intercessory work assures believers of continual access to God’s grace and mercy. “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” (Hebrews 4:14). Jesus’ ministry continues in a new and glorified dimension.
The Promise of Jesus’ Return
The ascension also points forward to the future return of Jesus. The angel’s message in Acts 1:11 is clear: “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” The visible, bodily departure of Jesus anticipates his visible, bodily return at the end of the age.
This eschatological (end times) hope is echoed throughout the New Testament. Paul writes, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). The ascension of Jesus anchors Christian hope, assuring believers that history is moving toward the consummation of God’s kingdom.
The Ascension and the Life of the Church
Jesus’ ascension into heaven is a present reality shaping the identity and mission of the church. Several practical implications flow from this truth:
Empowerment for Mission
The ascended Jesus commissions his followers to bear witness to the gospel in the power of the Spirit. The church’s mission is grounded in the authority of the risen and ascended Lord. As Jesus declares in Matthew 28:18-20, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” He is assuring us that our labor is not in vain, for Jesus reigns as sovereign Lord.
Assurance of Christ’s Presence
Though physically absent, Jesus remains wholly and spiritually present with his people. He promises, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The ascension signaled a new mode of presence through the Holy Spirit. We are united with Christ, who is “seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1) and we are called to “seek the things that are above.”
Hope in Suffering
The ascension provides comfort and hope amid suffering and persecution. Jesus’ exaltation assures believers that he has triumphed over sin, death, and all the powers of evil. As Paul writes, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). The church lives in the tension of the “already” and the “not yet,” awaiting the return of the ascended Lord who will make all things new.
Conclusion
Jesus ascends to heaven as a necessary chapter in the redemption and commissioning of his followers. It marks the completion of Jesus’ earthly mission, his exaltation as Lord, the sending of the Spirit, his ongoing intercession, and the promise of his return. As we reflect on this event, we are invited to live in the power of the ascended Christ, confident in his reign and expectant of his coming glory. We are called to trust in his current, powerful presence in our life while resting in his perfect timing for what’s to come.