Jesus ascended to heaven for profound theological and salvific reasons, primarily to take possession of His divine glory, serve as an eternal advocate for humanity, and complete the redemptive plan for believers. This majestic event, witnessed by His apostles, marked the culmination of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His reign from heaven.
Key Reasons for Jesus' Ascension
The ascension was not merely a departure but a purposeful act with significant implications for both Jesus Himself and for humanity. Our Lord went up Body and Soul into heaven in the sight of His apostles, by His own power, to take possession of His glory, and to be our Advocate and Mediator in heaven with the Father.
Here are the primary reasons:
- To Enter His Glorified State: After His resurrection, Jesus's ascension signified His full return to His divine glory and authority, a glory He had temporarily laid aside during His earthly incarnation. It was the moment He took His rightful place at the right hand of God the Father, demonstrating His supreme power over all creation, sin, and death.
- To Act as Advocate and Mediator: In His ascended state, Jesus continuously intercedes on behalf of believers before God the Father. He serves as the perfect Advocate, representing humanity and pleading their cause, and as the ultimate Mediator, bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. This ensures ongoing access to God's grace and forgiveness for those who believe.
- To Send the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit, the "Comforter" or "Helper," after His departure. His ascension was a necessary prerequisite for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering believers to carry on His mission, understand His teachings, and live a life transformed by God's presence.
- To Prepare a Place for Believers: Jesus explicitly stated that He was going to prepare a place for His followers in heaven. His ascension inaugurated this heavenly preparation, assuring believers of a future dwelling with Him in eternity and providing hope for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.
- To Demonstrate His Universal Sovereignty: The ascension visually confirmed Jesus's authority not just over the earth, but over the entire cosmos. It underscored His role as the reigning King and Lord of all, establishing His spiritual kingdom and His power over all spiritual and earthly realms.
- To Conclude His Earthly Ministry and Begin His Heavenly Priesthood: While Jesus's earthly work of atonement was completed on the cross, His ascension marked the end of His physical presence on earth and the beginning of His ongoing ministry as the Great High Priest in heaven. He continually presents the benefits of His sacrifice to God.
Significance of the Ascension
The Ascension is a foundational belief in Christianity, signifying several crucial truths:
| Aspect of Ascension | Significance |
|---|---|
| Culmination | Marks the triumphant conclusion of Jesus's earthly mission and redemptive work. |
| Transition | Shifts Jesus's presence from physical and localized to spiritual and omnipresent through the Holy Spirit. |
| Hope | Provides assurance of a future resurrection and eternal life for believers with Christ in heaven. |
| Empowerment | Paves the way for the Holy Spirit's indwelling, enabling believers to live out their faith and share the Gospel. |
| Intercession | Establishes Jesus's ongoing role as a compassionate advocate for humanity before God. |
Practical Implications for Believers
The ascension of Jesus offers profound practical implications for those who follow Him:
- Confidence in Prayer: Knowing that Jesus is our Advocate in heaven gives believers confidence that their prayers are heard and presented effectively before God.
- Anticipation of Return: The ascension provides a blueprint for Jesus's promised return. Just as He departed visibly, so He will return to gather His own.
- Purposeful Living: Believers are called to live with a heavenly perspective, focusing on eternal truths and striving to fulfill the mission Jesus left behind, knowing He reigns supreme.
- Access to Divine Power: Through the Holy Spirit, whose coming was enabled by the ascension, believers are empowered for service, spiritual understanding, and victorious living.
The ascension is therefore not merely a historical event but a dynamic truth that continues to shape Christian faith and life, emphasizing Jesus's continuous reign, intercession, and preparation for His people.
