"He ascended into heaven"
1. Jesus is the reigning King over all powers in all ages and we are seated there with Him.
Eph 1:20-21 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.
Eph 2:6-7 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus
2. The Ascension gives us access to God’s throne for mercy and grace.
Hebrews 4:14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Hebrews 4: 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
3. It provides an Advocate on earth whose presence is limitless.
John 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,to be with you forever,
3. It provides an Advocate on earth whose presence is limitless. John 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
4.It gives us the spoils of Christ’s victory-- gifts according to the measure of Christ.
Ephesians 4:7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men."
9 ( In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
5.The Ascension creates a longing for Jesus’s return,
Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.Amen.
On this Ascension Day, may we reflect on how the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the ascension of our Savior Jesus Christ changed the world and our lives forever.. May we celebrate that our Lord is reigning from heaven as the one true King, and may we rejoice that we have the Holy Spirit as our ever-present advocate. May we eagerly await His return and fervently share the Gospel until He does.