Received on High

Introduction  We don't put much stock today in thinking and celebrating the bodily ascension of Christ to heaven, but the Early Church did. The Apostles Creed, which is a very early and simple confession of faith, includes the ascension among the few things the Church believes: He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty…  The celebration of the ascension of Christ has also been an important date in the ecclesiastical calendar. It is always celebrated on a Thursday, 40 days after the resurrection (v. 3) and 10 days before Pentecost. It is also common to postpone the celebration till the following Sunday, like we have done.  The ascension of Christ is his literal, bodily going up to heaven to be with the Father. I. The Historical Ascension, Acts 1:9-11; Lk. 24:49-53  A. After that glorious Sunday when our Lord Jesus came back to life, he met with his disciples off and on for a period of 40 days, 3.  B. Yet even at the end of those 40 days the disciples were still not 100% sure about the nature of the kingdom of God, 6.  C. He was taken up  D. A cloud received Him out of their sight  E. While they looked steadfastly  F. Two men in white apparel  G. This same Jesus will come back in the same manner.  H. All this took place on the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem, 12.  II. What the Ascension Accomplished (Why It Is Important)  A. The ascension is Christ's enthronement and his victory parade.  B. The ascension is the triumphant king returning home, Ps. 24:7-10.  C. The ascension was the final declaration of the lordship of Christ.  D. Christ ascended to prepare a place for his people.  E. The ascension resulted in intercession for us.  F. The ascended Christ gives gifts to the Church.  G. Ultimately, the ascension shows that Christ's work is done.

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