The Ascension of Jesus Christ is a profound event in Christianity, celebrated on Ascension Day, which occurs forty days after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the moment when Christ ascended into heaven in the presence of His disciples. This event is not just a miraculous historical occurrence; it deeply influences Christian thought on life, death, and the afterlife, shaping the theological landscape in which believers understand their journey on earth and their ultimate destiny.
Theological Significance of the Ascension
The Ascension is pivotal for several reasons. Firstly, it marks the physical departure of Jesus from Earth, affirming His divine nature and His return to the Father, as He had promised. This event is recorded in the New Testament in Acts 1:9-11, where Luke describes Jesus being taken up into heaven. This moment signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly mission and the beginning of His heavenly ministry. Jesus' ascension is also mentioned in Mark 16:19, confirming its importance across multiple Gospel accounts.
Ascension and the Exaltation of Christ
The Ascension exalts Christ to a position of authority. Ephesians 1:20-22 explains that God exerted His power in Christ "when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion." This exaltation is crucial because it signifies that Christ now reigns as King, overseeing all dominions and powers. This assures Christians that their savior holds ultimate authority over the world and its happenings, providing a source of comfort and security.
Impact on Christian Life
For Christians, the Ascension reinforces the lordship of Jesus and invites them to submit to His authority. It serves as a reminder that Christ's teachings and His example are the ultimate guide for living. The knowledge that Jesus ascended to heaven and is reigning with the Father changes how believers view their lives. They are not merely wandering aimlessly on earth but are living under divine kingship, with their actions on earth having implications for their eternal life.
Furthermore, the Ascension influences Christian practices such as prayer. Believers pray "in Jesus' name" because they recognize that Jesus, who is at the right hand of the Father, intercedes for them. Romans 8:34 offers comfort in stating, "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."
Ascension and the Promise of the Holy Spirit
The Ascension directly precedes the Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit is sent to dwell among the disciples and other believers, empowering them for ministry and sealing them for salvation. Acts 1:8 quotes Jesus saying, "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." This promise highlights the ongoing presence of God in the lives of believers through the Holy Spirit, guiding and empowering them in their earthly journey.
Influence on Thoughts about the Afterlife
The Ascension also profoundly impacts Christian views on life after death. It not only reaffirms the belief in a physical resurrection, as demonstrated by Christ's own bodily ascent but also assures believers of their personal continuation after death. In John 14:2-3, Jesus promises, "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." This assurance of a place in heaven provides profound hope and comfort to Christians, affirming that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with Christ.
Ethical and Moral Implications
The Ascension also shapes Christian ethical and moral behavior. Knowing that Christ has ascended and will return instills a sense of accountability and prompts believers to live righteously. Titus 2:12-13 encourages believers to "live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." The Ascension, therefore, not only offers hope but also a call to reflect the kingdom of heaven here on earth through righteous living.
Living in the Light of Ascension
In conclusion, the Ascension of Jesus is a central event that influences Christian thought on life and the afterlife significantly. It affirms Jesus' divinity, His reign in heaven, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of believers' ascension to eternal life. This doctrine encourages Christians to live with purpose, guided by the teachings of Christ, and with the assurance that their ultimate destiny is secure in Him. As they navigate life's challenges, the Ascension serves as a beacon of hope, pointing them towards their heavenly calling and the eternal kingdom prepared for them by their ascended Lord.
