Christ's Ascension: The Completion of Redemption and Reign

Devotional

Day 1: The Ascension Completes Redemption

The Ascension of Christ is a profound event that signifies the completion and application of His redemptive work. It is not merely a departure from earth but an enthronement in heaven, affirming that redemption is both accomplished and applied through His reign. This event marks the consummation of Christ's mission, as He returns to His heavenly throne, having completed His earthly work. The Ascension assures believers that Christ's redemptive work is ongoing, as He now reigns as the exalted King and intercedes for us as our High Priest. This understanding challenges us to recognize the full scope of Christ's work and to respond in faith, trusting in the living Savior who reigns and offers mercy to all who believe. [05:46]

Ephesians 1:20-23 (ESV): "that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."

Reflection: How does understanding the Ascension as the completion of redemption change the way you view Christ's work in your life today?

Day 2: Christ's Reign is Active and Personal

Christ's session at the right hand of God is not a passive rest but an active reign. He governs the universe, directs history, and shepherds His church, offering forgiveness and grace to His people. This reign is both active and personal, as Christ intercedes for us, providing ongoing support and guidance. The Ascension assures us that Christ's work did not end with the resurrection; rather, His enthronement is the final act that ensures the ongoing application of His redemptive work. As believers, we are called to trust in this active and personal reign, knowing that Christ is intimately involved in our lives and the world around us. [24:45]

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Reflection: In what ways can you invite Christ's active and personal reign into your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Day 3: The Ascension Assures Our Future

As Christ ascended, taking His humanity into the Godhead, it assures us that we, too, will ascend to be with Him. This promise of future glory and reign with Christ is a profound hope for believers. The Ascension is not only about Christ's return to the Father but also about our future with Him. It assures us that we will share in His glory and reign, providing a hope that transcends our current circumstances. This understanding encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our future is secure in Christ. [27:17]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, 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."

Reflection: How does the assurance of your future ascension with Christ influence the way you handle challenges and uncertainties in your life today?

Day 4: The Gospel's Full Scope

The Ascension and session are essential components of the Gospel, often overlooked. They affirm that Christ's work did not end with the resurrection but continues as He reigns and intercedes for us. This understanding expands our view of the Gospel, highlighting the ongoing nature of Christ's work and His active involvement in our lives. The Ascension is the "icing on the cake," the final act that ensures the ongoing application of His redemptive work. As believers, we are called to embrace the full scope of the Gospel, recognizing the significance of the Ascension and session in our faith journey. [07:51]

Acts 1:9-11 (ESV): "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'"

Reflection: How can you incorporate the full scope of the Gospel, including the Ascension, into your understanding and sharing of your faith with others?

Day 5: A Call to Faith

The story of the nobleman illustrates the call to believe in Christ's offer of forgiveness and eternal life. Just as the nobleman's offer required faith, so does Christ's offer of salvation. The Ascension is a call to trust in the living Savior, who reigns and offers mercy to all who believe. This call to faith challenges us to respond to Christ's offer with trust and commitment, recognizing the significance of His redemptive work and His ongoing reign. As believers, we are invited to embrace this call to faith, trusting in Christ's promises and living in the light of His reign. [32:41]

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your faith and trust in Christ's offer of salvation and His ongoing reign in your life?

Sermon Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound significance of Christ's Ascension and His session at the right hand of God. This pivotal event, often overshadowed by the crucifixion and resurrection, marks the consummation of Christ's redemptive work. The Ascension is not merely a departure but an enthronement, a divine inauguration where Jesus, having completed His earthly mission, returns to His heavenly throne. This act signifies that redemption is not only accomplished but also applied, as Christ now reigns as the exalted King and intercedes for us as our High Priest.

The New Testament, particularly through the writings of Luke, Paul, Peter, and the author of Hebrews, emphasizes the Ascension and session as essential components of the Gospel. These events affirm that Christ's work did not conclude with the resurrection; rather, His enthronement is the "icing on the cake," the final act that ensures the ongoing application of His redemptive work. As the God-man, Jesus ascended, taking His humanity into the Godhead, a profound mystery that underscores His role as the mediator of the New Covenant.

The Ascension also marks the beginning of Christ's reign, where He governs the universe, directs history, and shepherds His church. He dispenses the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to be His witnesses. This reign is not distant or passive; it is active and personal, as Christ intercedes for us, offering forgiveness and grace. The Ascension assures us that we, too, will ascend to be with Him, sharing in His glory and reign.

This message challenges us to recognize the full scope of Christ's work and to respond in faith. Just as the nobleman in the story offered to pay the debts of those who believed, Christ offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who come to Him. The Ascension is a call to trust in the living Savior, who reigns and offers mercy to all who believe.

Key Takeaways

1. The Ascension Completes Redemption: Christ's Ascension and session signify the completion and application of His redemptive work. It is not merely a departure but an enthronement, affirming that redemption is accomplished and applied through His reign. [05:46]
2. Christ's Reign is Active and Personal: Jesus' session at the right hand of God is not a passive rest but an active reign. He governs the universe, directs history, and shepherds His church, offering forgiveness and grace to His people. [24:45]
3. The Ascension Assures Our Future: As Christ ascended, taking His humanity into the Godhead, it assures us that we, too, will ascend to be with Him. This promise of future glory and reign with Christ is a profound hope for believers. [27:17]
4. The Gospel's Full Scope: The Ascension and session are essential components of the Gospel, often overlooked. They affirm that Christ's work did not end with the resurrection but continues as He reigns and intercedes for us. [07:51]
5. A Call to Faith: The story of the nobleman illustrates the call to believe in Christ's offer of forgiveness and eternal life. Just as the nobleman's offer required faith, so does Christ's offer of salvation. [32:41]
** [32:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:19] - Introduction to Christ's Ascension
[01:11] - Scriptural References to Ascension
[02:57] - Unique Accounts in the Gospels
[04:42] - Theological Significance of Ascension
[06:11] - Hymns and the Ascension
[07:32] - New Testament Emphasis
[09:10] - Peter's Sermon and Ascension
[11:01] - Understanding Ascension
[12:34] - Ascension as Inauguration Day
[14:18] - The Disciples Witness the Ascension
[17:20] - Humanity Ascends with Christ
[19:42] - Christ's Reign and Space Exploration
[21:31] - The Session of Christ
[24:45] - Christ's Active Reign
[27:17] - Our Future Ascension
[29:28] - The Nobleman's Story and Faith
[32:41] - Christ's Offer of Salvation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Mark 16:19 - "So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God."
Luke 24:50-51 - "Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven."
Hebrews 1:3 - "After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."

Observation Questions:

What does Mark 16:19 tell us about the actions of Jesus after speaking to His disciples? How does this relate to the concept of the Ascension? [01:33]
In Luke 24:50-51, where did Jesus lead His disciples before His Ascension, and what significant action did He perform before ascending? [02:57]
According to Hebrews 1:3, what did Jesus do after making purification for sins, and what does this signify about His position? [00:44]
How does the sermon describe the Ascension as the "icing on the cake" in relation to Christ's redemptive work? [06:38]

Interpretation Questions:

How does the Ascension of Jesus Christ emphasize the completion and application of His redemptive work, as described in the sermon? [05:46]
What is the significance of Jesus taking His humanity into the Godhead during the Ascension, and how does this affect our understanding of His role as mediator? [17:20]
How does the sermon explain the active and personal nature of Christ's reign from heaven? What implications does this have for believers today? [24:45]
In what ways does the Ascension assure believers of their future with Christ, according to the sermon? [27:17]

Application Questions:

Reflect on the idea that Christ's Ascension completes His redemptive work. How does this understanding impact your daily faith and trust in Jesus? [05:46]
The sermon describes Christ's reign as active and personal. How can you become more aware of Christ's active presence and guidance in your life? [24:45]
Considering the promise of future ascension with Christ, how does this hope influence your perspective on current challenges or struggles? [27:17]
The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing the full scope of the Gospel, including the Ascension. How can you incorporate this understanding into your conversations about faith with others? [07:51]
Reflect on the story of the nobleman and the call to faith. How does this story challenge you to respond to Christ's offer of forgiveness and eternal life? [32:41]
How can you actively participate in Christ's mission as His witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, in your community or workplace? [20:16]
In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in Christ's intercession and reign over your life, especially in times of uncertainty or doubt? [26:24]

Sermon Clips

Now this shows us something that Christ's Redemption his work of redemption does not end with the cross and people often just end it with the cross it doesn't even end with the resurrection because their stuff after the resurrection that has to happen it doesn't even in with the Ascension back to heaven because there's something after the Ascension that has to happen he must take his seat in heaven. [00:04:36]

He really is there he really did go back into heaven as the god man and he really is there enthroned as kings and lord of the whole universe his exalted position he must be enthroned he must ascend and being thrown and seated as the final consummation of all of his redemptive work the hem writer put it this way the head that once was crowned with thorns is crowned with glory now a royal diadem adorns the mighty Victor's brow. [00:05:30]

The Ascension Day was Jesus inauguration day he has to leave Earth and he has to go back where he came from 30 plus years later he's going back essentially and so how does this happen he's with the disciples in Jerusalem he'd been teaching them being with them making appearances and on this day they didn't know this was going to happen they did not have a clue he leaps them out to the village of Bethany and he speaks blessing to them. [00:12:24]

He was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight and while they were gazing into heaven as he went the whole two men stood by them and what robes and said men of Galilee one of you stand looking into heaven this Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. [00:14:12]

The Ascension the man jesus christ in his physical body ascended back all the way to heaven he took true humanity back in heaven think about this when he left heaven when he first came he was just a divine son he was just God he didn't have a body he didn't have a human nature he wasn't a human being when he left heaven and he came down and was put in the Virgin Mary's womb. [00:17:23]

He ascends back to heaven as the god man and van Tavenner said all of man's space exploration sinks into insignificance in light of the ascension of jesus christ he talked about the last frontier Star Trek sorry you ain't got it he talked about going where no man has ever gone the Lord Jesus Christ as a man as the god man the victorious Savior who's accomplished Redemption he's going to go back to heaven now and do some things to apply Redemption. [00:19:26]

What's he doing now since he's in session he's running his kingdom he is governing the entire universe he's controlling and directing international affairs though the Pentagon and the UN and all the kings of the earth don't believe it and they don't know it he is governing all the International Affairs he is ruling raining and maintaining the entire universe Paul says he's upholding every moment he's upholding all things by the very word of his power. [00:24:49]

He is directing all of history to its appointed end he is governing overseeing and shepherding his church his people as king from heaven he poured out the Holy Spirit and now Christ is with us here by his Spirit but the man Christ Jesus is is enthroned out there in a real place he's really there and as king he's ruling over and providing for all of his children as prophet he speaks truth to his sheep to feed them and green pastures of love as mediator and priests he intercedes for ever for his children and he forgives and guides and cares for and gives grace to his people. [00:25:21]

Because he ascended that day and reigns forever you as a Christian if you know Christ you will ascend to heaven with him either at your death or hit his second coming because Christ offended you will ascend to into the very presence of God to be there because he is seated and enthroned you as a Christian one day will rule and reign with Christ on his throne you'll reign with him his bride the church of jesus christ you are heirs of God and what joint heirs with Jesus Christ. [00:27:17]

This means that for anyone anywhere this side of the Ascension it means that free and full salvation and the forgiveness of sins and eternal life is available to all to anyone who will believe it and will come to this King and ask for it he reigns to give forgiveness in eternal life to anyone who will believe it Christ offers as king and Savior pardon and salvation to everyone who will come to him if not by coming to church it's not by going to a priest it's not by doing what some preacher tells you you can't get this cell and his forgiveness from anyone except Christ directly. [00:28:47]

I heard a story about a prominent wealthy nobleman who became a Christian very wealthy man very well known in his area around his town he became a Christian and all he wanted to do was live for Jesus Christ and he began sharing with everyone he could everyone who would listen to him about Christ and the offer of the forgiveness of sins and what Jesus did he died he was buried he rose again he lives forever and he offers salvation anyone who will come to him. [00:29:28]

This morning and he's enthroned above and he offers mercy and forgiveness to all will go to his office and believed him and receive Christ offended and seated as lord and king of all let's pray thank you that this is the end of the gospel of Christ the sins forever and he's been thrown and he reigns forever as the head of the church is the savior who offers mercy bless your word to every heart the Lord cause some we've not really believed him before they've heard the announcement but they've not come to him to receive what he offers will help today son to come to you and believe and be forgiven. [00:33:02]

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