This doctrine of the ascension of our Lord Christ is overlooked among the Protestant churches these days; that is, it would seem that the doctrine of the resurrection of Christ is far more important to celebrate then the ascension of Jesus. I think we ought to celebrate this doctrine like we celebrate the birth of Christ and His glorious resurrection; that is, hymns, a sermon on His ascension and a fellowship meal would be a good start. Next time when Ascension Day begins, don’t forget to remember Jesus and His ascension, but also to share it with others in the Christian faith for fellowship.
The ascension of our Lord Jesus was an act of God the Father’s will; that is, He was withdrawing Him from His people. It is also a sign of exaltation by the Father through the Son and the cloud represents God’s presence. This was the height of His glory after His majestic resurrection. Jesus foretold of His ascension in the Gospel of John and Luke, but also in the book of Acts. Saint Paul celebrates the doctrine of the ascension and how it impacts the Lordship of our Lord Jesus for us. It is an encouraging doctrine and for the fainthearted. Our Lord Jesus is the Lord of the universe, and He is a tremendous source of real encouragement to us. The ascension is a story of the restoration of glory the eternal Son had before His incarnation. It was the glorification of the human nature that never had been until He ascended on High. The reign of Jesus had not been before this in this matter but He is always the God-man. Christ is in His accession because this is what ascension means; that is, He sits on the Father’s right hand and occupies rule on behalf of God. Christ in His omnipresence helps anyone in the world that invokes His name. His heavenly ministry means intercession for His people. He sends the Holy Spirit to equip us and make us ready for service.
The Westminster Larger Catechism says,
Q. 53. How was Christ exalted in his ascension?
A. Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that having after his resurrection often appeared unto and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God,[220] and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nations,[221] forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head,[222] triumphing over enemies,[223] visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men,[224] to raise up our affections thither,[225] and to prepare a place for us,[226] where he himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world.[227]
Q. 54. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?
A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favour with God the Father,[228] with all fulness of joy,[229] glory,[230] and power over all things in heaven and earth;[231] and does gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies; furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces,[232] and maketh intercession for them.[233]
Q. 55. How doeth Christ make intercession?
A. Christ maketh intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven,[234] in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth,[235] declaring his will to have it applied to all believers;[236] answering all accusations against them,[237] and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings,[238] access with boldness to the throne of grace,[239] and acceptance of their persons[240] and services.[241]
