Faith & Reason Nexus

Jesus’ ascension marked a significant moment in the history of salvation. After His resurrection, He ascended to heaven in the presence of His disciples, where He continues His work in a new way. His ascension has deep theological implications and reveals multiple aspects of His ongoing role.

Jesus Ascended As…

1. The Risen Lord
   • Jesus ascended as the triumphant, risen Savior who defeated death and sin, showing that His work on the cross was completed.
     • Acts 2:24 – “But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.”
2. The Mediator Between God and Man
   • Jesus ascended as the bridge between humanity and God, the only One who can reconcile the two. Through Him, we have access to the Father.
     • 1 Timothy 2:3-7 – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people.”
3. The Ransomed One
   • Jesus ascended as the One who gave Himself as a ransom for our sins, completing the work of redemption.
     • 1 Timothy 3:6 – “Who appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”
4. The Advocate of Man Before God
   • Jesus ascended to be our Advocate, standing before God on our behalf, interceding for us.
     • 1 John 2:1-2 – “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…”
5. Man’s High Priest
   • Jesus ascended as our High Priest, the one who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice and continually intercedes for us before God.
     • Hebrews 8:1 – “Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a High Priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.”
6. Man’s Intercessor
   • Jesus ascended as our eternal intercessor, the one who always lives to make intercession for us.
     • Hebrews 7:25 – “Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.”
7. “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords”
   • Jesus ascended as the sovereign ruler, exalted above all powers and authorities, the King who will reign forever.
     • Revelation 19:16 – “On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
8. The Coming One
   • Jesus ascended with the promise that He will return in the same way He ascended, as the triumphant King and Judge.
     • Acts 1:11 – “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.”

The Ascension: A Promise of His Return

In Acts 1:9-11, the ascension is not just an event of Jesus leaving the earth but also a promise of His return. The disciples were instructed not to focus on gazing up into heaven but to remember that Jesus, who ascended, will return in glory. This marks a key moment in Christian hope—Jesus will come again to fulfill God’s kingdom.

The ascension of Jesus signifies His continuing role as mediator, High Priest, and King, and assures us of His eventual return. As believers, this event is a source of encouragement and hope, knowing that Jesus is in heaven interceding for us and that He will one day return in glory to establish His eternal reign.