The Ascension

THE ASCENSION
“It is for your good that I am going away”
(John 16:7)

The Ascension is discussed a number of times in the Bible, recorded in Luke-Acts, and part of the Apostle’s Creed. Nevertheless, it has been my experience that it is largely ignored in the contemporary church. What is the significance of The Ascension? Above all, why is it for our good that Jesus went away?

Part 1 The Announcement

John 13:33+36
Somewhere we can't go on foot (another realm?)
John 14:1-6a
Going to prepare a place for us
He will come back
We can do even greater things
Jesus will come to us
Going to the Father
John 16:5-11
So the Spirit will come

Part 2 The Ascension

Luke 24:49-51
1. Sending of Spirit
2. Blessing them as taken
3. Left them (Active)
4. Taken up (Passive)
5. Into heaven

Acts 1:4-11
1. Sending of Spirit
2. Delay of kingdom
3. Hidden by cloud
4. Future return

Part 3 The Advantages

1. It means Jesus is at right hand of Father (power, intercession, preparation, building, etc)
2. It means the Spirit comes (omni-presence, conviction, transformation, etc)