“Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.”
— Luke 24:51 (NKJV)
Following the resurrection, Jesus Christ accomplished another significant event—His ascension into heaven. While often less emphasized than the resurrection, the ascension is vital to understanding Christ’s present role and the believer’s position in Him.
The ascension is not an ending, but a transition into Christ’s exaltation and ongoing ministry.
Understanding the Ascension
The ascension marks the moment Jesus physically returned to heaven after completing His earthly mission.
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up…”
— Acts 1:9 (NKJV)
This event signifies:
The completion of His earthly work
His return to glory
His exaltation at the right hand of God
It confirms that His mission on earth was fulfilled.
Christ’s Exaltation
After His ascension, Jesus was exalted to a place of supreme authority.
“…He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.”
— Mark 16:19 (NKJV)
This position represents:
Authority over all creation
Victory over sin and death
Kingship and dominion
Jesus is not only risen—He is reigning.
Seated at the Right Hand of God
Christ’s position at the right hand of God signifies honor, authority, and completed work.
“…who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
— Romans 8:34 (NKJV)
This means:
His redemptive work is finished
He holds ultimate authority
He represents believers before God
It is a position of power and advocacy.
Our Advocate and Intercessor
One of the most comforting truths of the ascension is Christ’s ongoing intercession.
“…He always lives to make intercession for them.”
— Hebrews 7:25 (NKJV)
As our Advocate:
He prays for believers
He represents us before the Father
He secures our standing in God
We are never alone—Christ actively intercedes for us.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
The ascension made way for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
“It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you…”
— John 16:7 (NKJV)
Through this:
Believers receive divine empowerment
God’s presence becomes internal
The mission of the Church is enabled
The ascension transitions God’s work from Christ’s physical presence to the Spirit’s indwelling presence.
A Call to Mission
Before ascending, Jesus gave clear instructions.
“But you shall receive power… and you shall be witnesses to Me…”
— Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
The ascension is linked to:
The Great Commission
Empowered witnessing
Global evangelism
It reminds believers that the mission continues.
The Hope of His Return
The ascension also carries a promise—Jesus will return.
“This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner…”
— Acts 1:11 (NKJV)
This gives believers:
Hope for the future
Assurance of Christ’s return
Motivation for holy living
The ascension points forward to His second coming.
Our Heavenly Position
Believers share in Christ’s exalted position spiritually.
“…and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
— Ephesians 2:6 (NKJV)
This means:
We have spiritual authority in Christ
Our identity is rooted in Him
Our perspective is elevated beyond earthly limitations
We live from a position of victory, not defeat.
Living in the Reality of the Ascension
The ascension calls believers to live with confidence and purpose.
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
— Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)
This involves:
Focusing on eternal realities
Living under Christ’s authority
Walking in confidence of His finished work
The ascended Christ shapes how we live today.
Reflection Questions
Do I live with the awareness that Christ is reigning?
How does knowing Jesus intercedes for me affect my faith?
Am I walking in the authority and identity I have in Christ?
How does the promise of His return influence my daily life?
Prayer Points
Prayer for Revelation:
Lord, help me understand the significance of Your ascension.
Prayer for Confidence:
Strengthen my faith in Your authority and ongoing work in my life.
Prayer for Alignment:
Help me to live with a heavenly perspective.
Prayer for Readiness:
Prepare my heart for Your return.