Last week Frosty, who will be coordinating our Youth Group next year, spoke on that often-overlooked aspect of the Apostle’s Creed; ‘he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father’. Yet as Frosty so helpfully showed us, the Ascension is essential for many important aspects of the Christian faith.
To begin with, the Ascension marked the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and the beginning of his post-resurrection ministry. This includes directing the spread of the gospel on earth, as well as interceding for His people with the Father; both in our prayers (John 14:13-14) and in our standing before our creator (1 John 2:1).
Second, if Jesus had not ascended, the Spirit would not have been given (John 16:7). As such, to hang out with Jesus would have meant getting on a plane (or a ship) for most people. Yet now that Jesus is in heaven, Christians can now have fellowship with Jesus wherever they are, through the Spirit. For the Spirit of the Father IS the Spirit of the Son.
Thirdly, Jesus’ Ascension grants us assurance that Jesus will one day return to take his followers with him (Acts 1:11). The Ascension was not Jesus retreating because of a defeat; it was part of the plan. On the last day Jesus will return to judge all wickedness and reward all disciples.
Finally, Jesus’ Ascension is a sign of God’s patience. God could have brought about the end straight after Jesus’ resurrection. The fact that Jesus has ascended into heaven to fulfil his post-resurrection work shows God is waiting for more people to turn to him in repentance and faith before bringing in the last day (2 Pet 3:15).
These elements of the Christian faith should (i) remind us of the joyous rewards that await Jesus’ disciples in heaven, and (ii) encourage us to warn others to not miss out on these rewards. May Jesus’ Ascension spur us on to obey Him, while we await His return.
