He Ascended into Heaven
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The Christian Observer - 9400 Fairview Avenue - Manassas, VA 20110  (703) 335-2844
Dr. Edwin Elliott, Managing Editor
Reformed Journal of Record since 1813  -- $27.00 US  per year (12 Issues)

The History of the Christian Observer

Matthew 25:31-46

  How do you understand the words: He ascended into heaven?

  That Christ was taken up from the earth into heaven before the eyes of His disciples and remains there on our behalf until He comes again to judge the living and the dead.

Then, is not Christ with us unto the end of the world, as He has promised us?

Christ is true man and true God. As a man He is no longer on earth, but in His divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit, He is never absent from us.

But are not the two natures in Christ separated from each other in this way, if the humanity is not wherever the divinity is?

Not at all; for since divinity is incomprehensible and everywhere present, it must follow that the divinity is indeed beyond the bounds of the humanity which it assumed, and is nonetheless ever in that humanity as well, and remains personally united to it.

  What benefit do we receive from Christ=s ascension into heaven?

First, that He is our Advocate in the presence of His Father in heaven. Second, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that He, as the Head, will also take us, His members, up to Himself. Third, that He sends us His Spirit as a counter pledge by whose power we seek what is above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God, and not things that are on earth.

I. Christ Ascended to Heaven

A.  The disciples testify that they saw the resurrected Jesus rise from earth to heaven.  And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.  (Luke 24:50-51)

B. Christ now rules in heaven.  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:  (Hebrews 9:24)

C. The second coming is standard Christian doctrine.  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.  (Acts 1:11)

II. The Ascension Is Consistent with What We Know about Christ

A. Christ promised to be with us to the end.  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  (Matthew 28:20)

B. The Messiah, as Jesus the man, is now in heaven.  And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.  (John 17:11)

C. However, Christ remains present with us in the Holy Spirit.  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.  (John 14:18-19)

D. As God, then Messiah fills all reality at once.  Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?    Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.  (Jeremiah 23:23-24)

E. The Ascension relates to the doctrine of the Trinity. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  (Colossians 2:9)

III. The Ascension Benefits Believers

A. Because Christ ascended to heaven believers have an advocate representing them there. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.  (Romans 8:34)

B. Christ now prepares to receive believers into heaven.  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.  (John 14:2)

C. Because Christ has gone ahead, He has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us until His return.  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;    Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  (John 14:16-17)

D. Our focus moves with Christ into the world to come.  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  (Colossians 3:1)