Ascension, John Singleton Copley, 1775

Forty days (1) after the Resurrection (2), Jesus (3) and His Disciples (4) went to Mount Olivet (5), near Jerusalem (6). There, Jesus promised His followers that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit (7), and He instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until the Spirit had come. Then Jesus blessed them, and as He gave the blessing, He began to ascend into Heaven. The account of Jesus’ Ascension is found in Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9-11.
 
It is plain from Scripture (8) that Jesus’ Ascension was a literal, bodily return to Heaven. He rose from the ground gradually and visibly, observed by many intent onlookers. As the disciples strained to catch a last glimpse of Jesus, a cloud hid Him from their view, and two Angels (9) appeared and promised Christ’s return "in just the same way that you have watched Him go" (Acts 1:11).
 
The Ascension of Jesus Christ is meaningful for several reasons:
 
1) It signaled the end of His earthly ministry (10). God the Father (11) had lovingly sent His Son into the world at Bethlehem (12), and now the Son was returning to the Father. The period of human limitation was at an end.
 
2) It signified success in His earthly work. All that He had come to do, He had accomplished.
 
3) It marked the return of His heavenly glory. Jesus’ glory had been veiled during His sojourn on earth, with one brief exception at the  Transfiguration (13) (Matthew 17:1-9).
 
4) It symbolized His exaltation by the Father (Ephesians 1:20-23). The One with whom the Father is well pleased (Matthew 17:5) was received up in honor and given a Name above all names (Philippians 2:9).
 
5) It allowed Him to prepare a place for us (John 14:2).
 
6) It indicated the beginning of His new work as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) and Mediator of the New Covenant (14) (Hebrews 9:15).
 
7) It set the pattern for His return (15). When Jesus comes to set up the Kingdom, He will return just as He left-literally, bodily, and visibly in the clouds (Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7).
 
Currently, the Lord Jesus is in Heaven. The Scriptures frequently picture Him at the right hand of the Father-a position of honor and authority (Psalms 110:1; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 8:1). Christ is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), the giver of spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:7-8), and the One who fills all in all (Ephesians 4:9-10).

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The narrative (a) offered herein has been published with permission (b) and no monetary gain is being sought. Footnotes within the narrative have been inserted by The Marion County Manna Project and re-direct to our webpages (unless otherwise noted) for additional spiritual insight and reflection.
 

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If you're seeking additional info about Christianity on a more personal level, consider visiting a Christian Church here in Marion County (16). Introduce yourself to members and ask to speak with someone to learn more about Jesus. Surrendering your life to Christ (17) (e) is the most rewarding, everlasting decision you'll ever make, and it's comforting to have someone guide you as you begin your new life as a child of the Most High! May God shower you with great favor in this endeavor!
 

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Footnotes, Page Credits and External Resources appear below. Consider printing and sharing the offered PDF narrative and other listed resources with family, friends and strangers alike for use in Bible Studies (18), Home/Church Faith Sharing Groups (19), Discipleship Encounters (20) and/or Personal Faith Enrichment!
 
Modifications are welcome at [email protected].
 

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FOOTNOTES:
  (1) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/40-in-the-bible
  (2) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/resurrection-of-jesus
  (3) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/jesus-christ
  (4) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/twelve-apostles
  (5) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/mount-of-olives
  (6) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/jerusalem
  (7) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-holy-spirit
  (8) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-good-news
  (9) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/angels
(10) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/ministry-of-jesus
(11) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/god-of-the-bible
(12) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/bethlehem
(13) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/transfiguration
(14) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/covenants
(15) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/day-of-the-Lord
(16) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/listing-by-city
(17) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-gracious-visitor
(18) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/bible-studies
(19) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/christian-education
(20) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/discipleship
 
PAGE CREDITS:
  (a) "What is the Meaning and Importance of the Ascension of Jesus Christ?", Got Questions Ministries, accessed November 18, 2020,
https://www.gotquestions.org/day-of-the-Lord.html
 
  (b) Copyright Policy, Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 11, 2020,
https://www.gotquestions.org/about.html
 
  (c) Videos, Milestones, Blogs & Poster, BibleProject, accessed September 29, 2020,
https://bibleproject.com/terms/#use
 
  (d) Bible Gateway, New International Version (NIV) Bible, accessed September 18, 2020,
https://www.biblegateway.com/
 
EXTERNAL RESOURCES:
  (e)  How Do I Convert to Christianity?, Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 12, 2020,
https://www.gotquestions.org/convert-to-Christianity.html