050. ACT 1:9. ASCENSION OF CHRIST

Act_1:9. Ascension of Christ

"While they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight."’97Act_1:9

The ascension of Jesus is a subject truly interesting to the contemplative Christian. It was the last link of that golden chain of events connected with the life and work of the Son of God upon earth. Notice, then,

I. That the Ascension of Christ was previously typified and predicted.

1 It was typified, By the entrance of the High Priest, with the blood of the annual sacrifice, once a year into the holiest of all: Lev_16:1 Heb_9:7. The ascension of Christ,

2. Was predicted.

(1) By David; Psa_47:5; and Psa_110:1

(2) By Daniel; Dan_7:13,: Dan_7:4.

(3) By the Saviour himself: Joh_2:17. "I ascend," &c. Notice,

II. The Circumstances connected with it

1. The time of his ascension.

Forty days after his resurrection. He remained so long among his disciples, that they might be certain of his identity and resurrection; and that he might more fully instruct, qualify, and commission them for their great work

2. The place of his ascension.

Mount Olivet. Most of the important events in the life of Christ were connected with mountains. Or. On one of these he delivered his famous sermon to the people. On another, was transfigured. On Mount Calvary, crucified. And now from Olivet he ascends to glory.

3. The circumstances connected with his ascension.

He led his disciples out as far as Bethany, lifted up his hands, and blessed them; gave them, as his last act, an infallible sign of his love to them, and his interest in them. He came to bless men; and all his acts were for the benefit of mankind. He retained the same benevolent feeling to the last, "For while he blessed them, he was parted from them," &c. Notice,

4. The manner of his ascension.

It was local, visible, real; as a proof of which, a cloud overshadowed him, and on its wings he arose to the throne of God.

5. The witnesses of his ascension.

The disciples saw him ascend; and two angels attested the same fact. "While they looked up," &c.; Act_10:11.

6. The place to which he ascended.

The angels said he was ascended to heaven’97to God’s imperial palace’97to the fullness of the Divine Presence. "I ascend to my Father," &c. "Far above all principality and power, even to the right hand of the majesty," &c. "Sit. thou on my right hand," &c. "Thy throne, O God," &c.; Heb_1:3, to end. Consider,

III. The Grand End and Design of Christ’s Ascension.

1. He ascended to show that he had finished his mediatorial work on earth.

He had fulfilled all the terms and stipulations of the covenant he had made with the Father; Joh_17:1-4.

2. He ascended as a triumphant conqueror over all his enemies.

Purged our sins’97blotted out the handwriting, &c.’97spoiled principalities and powers, &c.’97overcame death and the grave. And now, therefore, in triumph he returns to his native kingdom and throne.

3. He ascended as the representative of his people, and took possession of heaven on their behalf.

"I ascend lo my Father and to your Father," &c. "I go to prepare a place Cor you," &c.; Joh_19:1-3

4. He ascended that he might send down his Holy Spirit.

"If I go away I will send the Holy Ghost," &c.; Joh_14:26, &c.; Joh_16:7 &c. He told his disciples to wait for this at Jerusalem; Act_1:4.

5. He ascended that he might he the public advocate of his people in the court of heaven.

Heb_6:20; Heb_7:25, &c.; Heb_9:24; 1Jn_2:1.

6. He ascended that he might exercise dominion, and receive the homage of both worlds.

"All things are put under his feet, and he is head over all things," &c.; Eph_1:21, Eph_1:22. He expects all the homage and service of saints on earth; and before him every knee shall bow, every tongue confess, all the host of heaven fall prostrate, &c.; Rev_5:9, &c.

7. He ascended that he might receive to himself the spirits of departed saints.

Stephen commended his spirit unto him. Paul also. He is the Lord of life and death, and he alone opens the gates of paradise, and bestows the crown of eternal life.

Application

(1) Let us rejoice in Christ’s ascension. (2) Let us place all our concerns in his hands. (3) Approach the Father only through him. And (4) Look for his second and glorious appearance, when he shall come without a sin-offering unto salvation.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS