What is the Ascension? – Luke 9:51

Jesus is fully God and fully man, the sinless one, the Messiah, and His goal is the ascension. Without distraction or deterrence, He is determined to go to Jerusalem to fulfill His goal. His goal is not just dying on the cross or resurrecting from the grave, it is beyond that to the ascension. The doctrine of ascension is often overlooked and rarely preached, however, it is good to know about Jesus’ ascension as He fulfills His roles as Prophet, Priest, and King.

The ascension means Jesus is crowned as King as He sits on the throne high in heaven above. He takes His place as the Lord of lords and King of kings. Jesus’ ascension happened 30 days after His resurrection in the presence of His disciples. After He ascended, the Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost and the church began. The ascension begins the session of Christ. Session means the act of sitting as King over all things. We use a similar term for the U.S. Congress or for legal courts when we say they are “in session”. Jesus’ court and kingdom is now in session. Therefore there is no other name by which we can be saved because no one else sits at the right hand of God (Acts 4:12). At this moment, Jesus is waiting for the repentance of sinners and one day He will give His final judgment (Acts 19:20). 

The ascension is alluded to all over the Bible. For example, Moses went up to the mountain (Exodus 19:20), Jesus also went up the mountain (Matthew 5:1), and Enoch was taken up into heaven and the final rapture for believers (1 Thess 4:17). However the ascension is overlooked because Christianity focuses on Jesus’ death and resurrection. The ascension is the bridge of Christianity and absolutely crucial because Jesus’ ascension brings the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). Jesus could not remain physically but through the Holy Spirit, He is with us wherever we are (Matthew 28:20). By His ascension, Jesus is standing before God interceding on our behalf.

Jesus had three roles while here on earth, Prophet, Priest, and King. Due to His ascension, He continually fulfills these roles.

Prophet:

The prophet proclaims the Word of God and performs miracles. Jesus did this while on earth (Luke 9:19). Now Jesus continues to build His church through the Holy Spirit and the preaching of the Bible (John 14:12). How is it possible that the church grows where it is persecuted? How does the church grow when they are martyred? Because Jesus is still building His church. Jesus works as the Prophet and so do we. You must be filled with the Holy Spirit and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. Jesus ascended not to cease His work but to continue it through us as we live a transformed life.

Priest:

In the OT, priests slaughtered the lambs as an atoning sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins towards God. They acted as an intermediary between God and man. Jesus is the one who died as a sacrifice, was raised and is now at the right hand of God, interceding for us (Romans 8:34). We are not blessed because of our riches or strength or merit but because Jesus intercedes for us. We are forgiven and blessed because Jesus is our heavenly Priest. We are also made priests through Jesus’ priesthood (1 Peter 2:5). Therefore we intercede on behalf of our brothers and sisters to Christ and serve one another. 

King:

While on earth, Jesus kept declaring that the kingdom of God is near. Jesus’ ascension and session is the actualization of Jesus’ kingdom (Matthew 28:18). He is the conquering King who defeated His enemies and is now the head of the church and ruler over all things (Ephesians 1:22). Because Jesus is King we are also a royal family. Originally we were nothing but wretched sinners with nothing but sin’s debt. But Jesus paid the ransom for us with His blood and made us co-heirs with Him. So we have no need to worry because we have Jesus as King. He has the final say in everything.

Additionally, the ascension helps us understand the cross. When Jesus was crucified, He was alone, abandoned, and betrayed by His disciples. At that moment they failed to realize the hope of the cross (Luke 24:21). Afterwards, they finally realized the purpose of the cross, that without His death there would be no resurrection or ascension (John 2:22). Apostle Peter who had once betrayed Jesus, stood firm in Christ against all worldly authorities (Acts 5:29). The ascension gave courage and conviction to the Apostles and gave to us as well. Our hope is in Christ and His crucifixion but only because He ascended! When we see the cross, we also see His resurrection and ascension. The ascension means Jesus’ death was successful. His sacrifice was accepted. It fills us with joy knowing we are forgiven and hope knowing Jesus ascended. The ascension shows that it is worth giving our lives for Christ because the result of death is ascension. 

Another important observation is that the ascension is the beginning of His return. Jesus is not here but He has promised He will come back to gather His people (Acts 1:9-11). Jesus’s return begins with His promise. God always keeps His promises.

In conclusion, through the lens of the ascension, we can gain a clearer view of Christ, His beauty, His majesty, and His glory. Repent and believe in Him and He will be ready to forgive and receive you.