The Ascension refers to the event in which Jesus Christ physically rose to heaven after His resurrection, marking the conclusion of His earthly ministry and His exaltation at the right hand of God the Father. The Ascension is a pivotal event in Christian theology as it signifies the completion of Christ’s redemptive work, His glorification, and the beginning of His reign as King and High Priest. It also marks the promise of His return and the sending of the Holy Spirit to empower the Church.

Biblical Foundations of the Ascension

The Event of the Ascension

The Ascension is recorded in several key passages in the New Testament, providing a clear narrative of Jesus’ return to heaven.

• Luke 24:50-51: “When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.” Luke’s account emphasizes the moment of Jesus’ departure, blessing His disciples as He ascends.
• Acts 1:9-11: “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'” This passage in Acts provides a detailed account of the Ascension and includes the angelic promise of Jesus’ return.

Theological Significance of the Ascension

The Ascension is not merely an event but carries deep theological implications that are integral to the Christian faith.

1. Exaltation and Glorification of Christ

The Ascension marks Jesus’ exaltation and glorification, as He is enthroned at the right hand of God, signifying His authority and sovereignty over all creation.

• Ephesians 1:20-21: “He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Paul’s description of Christ’s exaltation emphasizes His supreme authority following His Ascension.
• Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This passage highlights the universal recognition of Jesus’ lordship as a result of His exaltation.

2. Intercession and High Priestly Ministry

The Ascension also signifies the beginning of Jesus’ role as the eternal High Priest, interceding on behalf of believers before the Father.

• Hebrews 7:24-25: “But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” The writer of Hebrews emphasizes Jesus’ ongoing ministry of intercession, made possible through His Ascension and eternal priesthood.
• Romans 8:34: “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Paul reassures believers of Christ’s intercessory work at the right hand of God, a key aspect of His post-Ascension ministry.

3. Promise of the Holy Spirit

The Ascension is closely connected to the sending of the Holy Spirit, who empowers the Church to carry out its mission in the world.

• John 16:7: “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” Jesus explains that His departure is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come, emphasizing the importance of the Ascension in the plan of redemption.
• Acts 2:33: “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” Peter’s sermon at Pentecost links the Ascension with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus’ promise.

4. Preparation for Christ’s Return

The Ascension also points forward to the Second Coming of Christ, when He will return in the same manner as He ascended.

• Acts 1:11: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” The angels’ message assures the disciples that Jesus’ Ascension is not the end, but a prelude to His eventual return.
• John 14:2-3: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Jesus’ words to His disciples before His death speak of His Ascension as part of His preparation for His return and the final consummation of God’s kingdom.

Historical Development of the Doctrine of the Ascension

Early Church Fathers

The early church fathers emphasized the Ascension as a key event in the life of Christ, affirming its significance for Christian doctrine and worship.

• Athanasius (c. 296-373): Athanasius, a key defender of the doctrine of the Trinity, wrote extensively about the Ascension, emphasizing that Christ’s exaltation affirmed His divinity and His role as the mediator between God and humanity.
• Augustine of Hippo (354-430): Augustine highlighted the Ascension in his writings, particularly in relation to the ongoing presence of Christ with His Church through the Holy Spirit. He saw the Ascension as a necessary step in the redemptive plan, leading to the outpouring of the Spirit and the empowerment of the Church.

Medieval Theology

During the medieval period, the Ascension continued to be a central theme in Christian theology, often linked to the liturgical calendar and the development of Christian art and iconography.

• Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274): Aquinas discussed the Ascension in his Summa Theologica, emphasizing its significance in the exaltation of Christ’s human nature and its implications for the believer’s hope of resurrection and glorification.
• Liturgical Celebrations: The Feast of the Ascension became an established part of the Christian liturgical calendar, celebrated 40 days after Easter. This feast emphasizes the importance of the Ascension in the life of the Church and its role in the broader narrative of Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and exaltation.

Reformation and Post-Reformation Views

The Protestant Reformers affirmed the doctrine of the Ascension, emphasizing its biblical basis and its implications for Christ’s ongoing ministry.

• John Calvin (1509-1564): Calvin emphasized the Ascension in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, particularly in relation to Christ’s kingship and priesthood. He argued that the Ascension is essential for understanding Christ’s authority and His role as the intercessor for believers.
• The Heidelberg Catechism (1563): This Reformed confession includes questions and answers about the significance of the Ascension, emphasizing Christ’s ongoing presence and intercession in heaven and the hope of believers in sharing in His glory.

Modern Perspectives

In modern theology, the Ascension continues to be a vital doctrine, often discussed in relation to Christology, eschatology, and ecclesiology.

• Karl Barth (1886-1968): Barth emphasized the Ascension as the event that confirms Christ’s lordship over all creation and His ongoing work as the Head of the Church. Barth saw the Ascension as a key moment in the history of salvation, where Christ’s humanity is exalted and united with the divine.
• Contemporary Theologians: Modern theologians continue to explore the implications of the Ascension for the Church’s mission, the nature of Christ’s presence with His people, and the hope of the believer’s future glorification. The Ascension is often discussed in the context of the already/not yet tension of the kingdom of God, highlighting its eschatological significance.

Theological Implications of the Ascension

Christ’s Sovereignty and Kingship

The Ascension affirms Christ’s sovereignty and kingship over all creation, establishing Him as the ruler of heaven and earth.

• 1 Peter 3:22: “Who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” Peter’s affirmation of Christ’s rule highlights the authority given to Him through the Ascension.
• Matthew 28:18: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'” Jesus’ declaration of His authority is fully realized in His Ascension and exaltation.

Christ’s High Priestly Ministry

The Ascension is essential for understanding Christ’s ongoing role as the High Priest, interceding on behalf of believers and applying the benefits of His atoning work.

• Hebrews 4:14-16: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” The Ascension assures believers of Christ’s continued presence and intercession, giving them confidence to approach God.

The Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit

The Ascension is directly connected to the sending of the Holy Spirit, who empowers the Church for its mission.

• John 14:16-17: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit is fulfilled following His Ascension, empowering the Church to continue His work.
• Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Ascension leads to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, equipping believers for witness and ministry.

The Hope of Christ’s Return

The Ascension also points forward to the Second Coming of Christ, when He will return to judge the living and the dead and to establish His kingdom fully.

• Titus 2:13: “While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” The Ascension fuels the Christian hope for Christ’s return, which will bring the consummation of all things.

Protestant Emphasis

Protestantism has emphasized the biblical basis for the Ascension and its implications for Christ’s work and the believer’s relationship with God.

• Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): Protestants emphasize that the doctrine of the Ascension is grounded in Scripture, affirming its centrality in the Christian faith.
  • 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” This verse underscores the importance of grounding all doctrine, including the Ascension, in the biblical witness.
• Critique of Over-Spiritualization: Some Protestant traditions have critiqued interpretations of the Ascension that overly spiritualize the event, arguing instead for a robust affirmation of the physical, historical reality of Christ’s Ascension and its ongoing implications for the Church and the world.

Practical Implications of the Ascension in Christian Life

Assurance and Hope

The Ascension provides believers with assurance of Christ’s continued presence and intercession, giving them hope and confidence in their relationship with God.

• Romans 8:34: “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Believers can live with the assurance that Christ is actively interceding for them.

Empowerment for Mission

The Ascension is linked to the sending of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers for mission and service in the world.

• Acts 1:8: As mentioned earlier, the Ascension leads directly to the empowerment of the Church for its mission, reminding believers that they are called and equipped to be witnesses of Christ in the world.

Focus on the Kingdom of God

The Ascension shifts the focus of believers from the earthly ministry of Christ to the ongoing work of His kingdom, encouraging them to live in anticipation of His return.

• Colossians 3:1-2: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” The Ascension encourages believers to live with a heavenly perspective, focused on the things of God.

Conclusion

From a Christian worldview, The Ascension is a central event in the life of Christ and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. It marks the exaltation of Jesus Christ, His enthronement at the right hand of the Father, and the beginning of His ongoing ministry as King and High Priest. The Ascension is also closely connected to the sending of the Holy Spirit and the promise of Christ’s return, providing believers with assurance, hope, and empowerment for mission.

Historically, the doctrine of the Ascension has been affirmed by the early church fathers, developed in medieval theology, and emphasized in Reformation and post-Reformation teachings. It continues to be a vital part of Christian theology, shaping the Church’s understanding of Christ’s work and the believer’s life.

Practically, the Ascension impacts every aspect of the Christian life, offering assurance of Christ’s intercession, empowering believers for mission, and encouraging a focus on the kingdom of God. As believers look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises, the Ascension remains a source of hope and a call to faithful living in anticipation of Christ’s return.