THE ASCENSION

Jesus’ ascension back into heaven (ACTS 1:9-11) is probably the bit of His story we think about the least. It was probably a big moment for His friends to watch Him rise up into the sky and disappear behind a cloud—but is there any more to the story than their amazement?

I recently read these words from one Christian writer: “The ascension is not only a great fact of the New Testament, but a great factor in the life of Jesus and us. We can’t have a complete view of Jesus unless the ascension and its consequences are included.”

He then went on to talk about what the ascension actually means for us. It shows Jesus completed His rescue mission. He has now “sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven” (HEBREWS 8:1), because the work of salvation is done! He is now the “head over everything for the church” (EPHESIANS 1:22), our representative in heaven (1 TIMOTHY 2:5), with us by His Spirit (MATTHEW 28:20) and working through us to bring people from all over the world into His family (VV.19-20).

Think of it! Jesus not only died, but He came back to life, went back to the Father, represents us in heaven right now and will return as He went (ACTS 1:11).

Completing the picture . . .

The Most Holy Place in the temple was a special place of God’s presence. This chamber could only be entered by the high priest on the Day of Atonement each year
(SEE LEVITICUS 16). The priest would enter the Most Holy Place with smoke (from the altar of incense) to help shield his view and sprinkle blood as payment for sin (HEBREWS 9:7). Anyone who entered this chamber when they were not supposed to would die.

Jesus has entered heaven (the real Most Holy Place) as the High Priest who “truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself” (HEBREWS 7:26-27). Now we can enter and live in God’s presence “with confidence” (4:16).