The Ascension of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:9-11)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
16 May 2021
Jesus ascended into heaven.
Heaven is real. If you do not follow Jesus while on earth what makes you think you will follow him into heaven?
Jesus ascended visibly. Earlier he entered heaven immediately after he died for he told the thief on the cross “truly, I say to you, today you will with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). That was an invisible entry. But here in Act 1:9-11 it is a visible entry.
Jesus is now physically absent from earth. We should not expect any physical appearances today. He is spiritually present with us as the Holy Spirit bears witness to us.
Jesus has finished his work on earth. He has accomplished what he came to do. Nothing can be added to it; nothing can be detracted from it.
Jesus has passed though the heavens (Hebrews 4:14) He is above the galaxies, and above the world of angels and demons. He is above everything.
Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. He possesses all authority and rules from the heavenly throne.
He remains prophet, priest and king.
As prophet he spoke through his apostles. Through those same apostles he spoke through the inspired writings — the Bible. There is no further need for any other prophet. Jesus Christ has spoken. He is the final prophet. The Bible is the final word.
As King he rules the universe. He is ruling his kingdom. He reigns in the hearts of his people. Nations rise and wane but the kingdom of God grows and is indestructible.
As priest he intercedes for his people. We must not think of Jesus on his knees before the Father with perspiration flowing from his brow as was the case in Gethsemane. No. He is seated and not on his knees.
Reference to his heavenly intercession is to be understood as the efficacy of that intercession. Nations establish diplomatic ties when there is mutual acceptance. Citizens may then freely move from one nation to another. Jesus has been accepted by the Father. Nothing further needs to be done. The benefits of Jesus’s work flows to the people of God.
Jesus shall return to earth in the same way he left, that is, through the clouds. It will be a visible descent for everyone shall see him.
He shall return the same person. He has not been annihilated. He lives forever with a resurrected glorious body, mysteriously as the God-man in heaven. And he shall return one day as the triumphant Saviour.
Let us understand his ascension. Let us praise him. Let us serve him all the days of our lives.
Time is short. Now is the day for you to be saved. Our lives are like the preface of a book. A preface is short and leads us to the main matter — the book itself. Our lives are brief and lead us to the ultimate issue — life hereafter.
Are you ready? Is the ascended Jesus your Lord and Saviour?