Sermons

The Ascension took place 40 days after the resurrection. Jesus was alive after the resurrection. He appeared to many, performing signs and deeds. The Ascension has been somewhat neglected through church history, even though we affirm it every time we recite our creeds. The resurrection and the Ascension are linked. His exaltation followed his humiliation. There are two aspects here. One is the fact of the Ascension, and two, the exaltation of our lord. A fact of the Ascension is that his physical body ascended to the third heaven, where God resides. If you deny the fact of the resurrection, how do you explain the bodily Ascension witnessed by several hundred people? There is nothing impossible for God. His resurrected, glorified body went to the world that is to come. He is seen by the disciples, but not readily recognized. He is taken up in a cloud. This kind of cloud symbolizes the presence of God, as we saw with Moses at Sinai; also at the dedication of the temple. In the New Testament, we remember the Transfiguration. God's voice spoke both at Jesus’ baptism and at the Transfiguration, terrifying the witnesses. The Ascension symbolizes that Jesus is restoring humanity where it belongs. Jesus is the last Adam, as our mediator, who shares His glory with humanity in Him. In John 14, Jesus says he goes to prepare a place for us, and he will come again to take us to that place. In Ephesians we learn that we are already seated with him in the heavenly places. By this we can go bodily into the heavenly throne room. This is a great encouragement to Jesus’ people, where we can find grace and mercy in times of need. Number two, the Ascension teaches the exaltation of the Lord. In Peter’s Pentecost sermon, he preached that David didn't experience resurrection, ascension or enthronement; only his greater son could. Resurrection is the vindication of the work of redemption. In John 17 Jesus prayed to the Lord to glorify him with the glory that he had before the world existed. Now, he enjoys a glorified human nature. His human body has a new mode of existence. He is the king of glory. The words that are ascribed to Yahweh are now ascribed to Jesus. He is Lord God. His Ascension was necessary for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is given to the Church. Holy Spirit is the regenerator of our hearts. He also comes to empower His people. He empowered Peter to speak with eloquence. The Spirit illuminates and teaches, reminding us of the words of Christ. The Holy Spirit draws our hearts to Him.