Jesus Christ, ascension of

The return of Jesus Christ to his Father in order to establish his kingdom, having completed his work on earth.

Jesus Christ's ascension described

Acts 1:9–11 As in the OT, the cloud symbolises God's presence. See also Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:2; Ephesians 4:10; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 9:24; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 12:5

After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently 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.”

Predictions of Jesus Christ's ascension

In the OT

Ephesians 4:7–8 See also Psalm 68:18

Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”

Jesus Christ looks forward to his ascension as his return to his Father

John 16:28 See also John 6:62, John 7:33, John 14:28, John 16:5, John 16:10, John 17:11, John 17:13, John 20:17

I came from the Father and entered the world. In turn, I will leave the world and go to the Father.”

Jesus Christ establishes his kingdom by his ascension

He ascended to send the Holy Spirit

John 16:7 See also John 7:39, John 14:16–19, John 14:25–26, John 15:26–27; Acts 2:33

But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit 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.

He ascended to prepare a place for his people

John 14:2–4

In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it 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 welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

He ascended to exaltation and glory

See also Luke 24:26; Acts 2:33; Ephesians 1:20–21; 1 Peter 3:22

He ascended to exercise his high priestly ministry

Hebrews 4:14 See also Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 9:24

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.

He ascended so that believers may follow him

1 Thessalonians 4:17

After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.

Jesus Christ's ascension indicates the manner of his return

Acts 1:11 See also Matthew 24:30 parallels Mark 13:26, Luke 21:27; Revelation 1:7

“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.”