FOUR IMPORTANT THINGS THAT THE ASCENSION BRINGS TO BELIEVERS
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel. May 18, 2023
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? 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.” Acts 1:10-11
INTRODUCTION
What is the ascension celebration for?
Christians around the world observe the Ascension Celebration to remember the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ. After his resurrection, Jesus is said to have spent 40 days with his disciples before ascending into heaven and promising to return.
During the Ascension Celebration, Christians all over the world commemorate Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven following his resurrection. It's a symbol of his exaltation to sit at the right hand of God and a reminder of the promise that he will return in the same way he left.
The fact that God most likely dispatched the two men in white is further reassurance to Christians that Jesus' departure was not the end of his story. They prompted the followers of Jesus to remember that he would come again. Does this reaffirm for us the importance of waiting for Jesus to come again? to our trust and confidence in God's salvation plan? As we anticipate his return, we are obligated to put our faith into action by telling others about Jesus so that they, too, can have eternal life in his presence.
The ascension of Jesus into heaven left his followers in awe. Even though he was physically absent, they were reminded that his word to return was unwavering. After witnessing Jesus' ascension into heaven, the disciples were filled with awe and wonder. The men in white (angels) gave them hope and reassurance by telling them that Jesus would return.
1. FINISHED WORK
The disciples returned to Jerusalem, where they waited for the Holy Spirit to come. This event would mark the beginning of their mission to spread the gospel throughout the world.
"After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven, where he sat at the right hand of God." Mark 16:19
with the finished work of Jesus that culminates in the end of Satan's dominion over believers, which is also very pertinent in showing Jesus' redemption work being total and complete.
This event also signifies the fulfillment of prophecy and the establishment of Jesus as the ultimate authority and ruler over all things. It is a powerful reminder of believers’ hope and victory in Christ, as it demonstrates his triumph over sin and death. Additionally, the resurrection serves as a cornerstone of the Christian faith, providing assurance of eternal life for those who trust in Jesus.
2. A PLACE PREPARED FOR BELIEVERS
"My father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you" John 14:2
These words from Jesus comfort those who believe in him because they know he has prepared a place for them in heaven. It is a promise of eternal life as well as a reminder to live every day with faith and hope.
These two aspects of Jesus' message give believers hope and assurance by demonstrating his power and love for them. The promise of a prepared place in heaven for believers emphasizes the eternal nature of their relationship with God.
Heaven is a vast place with possibilities beyond human comprehension. This demonstrates that Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for believers, indicating his promise of eternal life to those who believe in him. This promise gives believers hope and comfort in knowing that they have a place in the afterlife prepared for them.
Heaven should not be one of the things that one misses because it would be a tragedy for all eternity.
3. IT ALLOWS US TO SEE AND HEAR THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The Holy Spirit is guiding us toward living a life that is pleasing to God. The promise of eternal life also motivates believers to share the good news of salvation with others so that they too may have the opportunity to receive this promise and experience the joy and peace that come with it.
"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." Acts 2:33
On the day of Pentecost, ten days after His ascension into heaven, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues, thus fulfilling this promise of the Holy Ghost. In doing so, it launched the Christian church and gave its members the authority to preach the gospel to the ends of the known world.
Whoever puts their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will receive the Holy Spirit. It's a blessing that helps with decision-making and gives you the confidence you need to follow God's will.
4. ALLOWS US TO RECEIVE THE BLESSINGS OF JESUS' INTERCESSION
Part of the blessings here is the Holy Spirit, who is the promised gift from God to believers and enables us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. By receiving the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to share the gospel with others and be a witness to Christ in our daily lives.
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:34 (KJV)
The ascension gives us as believers the benefits of His intercession after He was uplifted higher than any earthly ruler or authority. This should give us great comfort and assurance in our faith, knowing that we have a powerful advocate in Christ who is constantly interceding on our behalf.
CONCLUSION
Two of the most significant gifts that Christians receive from Christ's ascension are the assurance of his continued presence and the promise of eternal life. Jesus, having ascended to the right hand of God, is now there to make petitions for us and to prepare a place for us in heaven.
Christ's ascension gave believers like us assurance of salvation and the promise of a better future.
The confidence that comes from knowing we have a mighty advocate in Christ who is praying for us even now.
These assurances give us, as believers, the strength to face the future with optimism and confidence. understanding that we are not alone in our trials and that Christ guarantees our ultimate triumph. Because of this faith, we are able to keep going when things get rough and to tell others about the good news of salvation who are also looking for something to hold on to.
