an incomplete salvation
Last Thursday marked a day of monumental importance, but perhaps you missed it. Most believers do. It was the 40th day of Easter. And on that first 40th day, Jesus ascended to glory.
You may be thinking, "And your point?" Aren't Jesus' Incarnation, Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection enough? In a word, "No". This would be an incomplete salvation. The Bible teaching about Jesus, summarized in the historic creeds, makes it clear: Jesus was conceived, born, suffered, crucified, died, descended, rose, and ascended into heaven, now seated at the Right Hand of The Father. Why is this so important?
- He is still God and Human now in physical glory in heaven. Luke 24:50--53 and Acts 1:9-11 clearly state that Jesus physically rose in His Resurrected Body, opening The Way for humans in glory, and showing that eaven is not a disembodied spirit world, but this world and all who are in Christ restored to a physical glory forever.
- He is seated at the Father's Side, ruling with Absolute Power and Authority (Hebrews 1:3). He is far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come, with all things under His Feet as Head over everything for the Church (Ephesians 1:21-22). His Rule supersedes all others, and we can trust that He will accomplish everything that He has purposed for us, His Body.
- He intercedes for us as the Ascended Lord at the Right Hand of The Father (Romans 8:24). His Prayer is the True Prayer of the universe, since He lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Without His Ascension, there would be no prayer, since prayer begins with Him, not with us.
- He sends The Holy Spirit from His Throne of glory. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter explains, Exalted to the Right Hand of God, He has received the promised Holy Spirit and pours out what you now see and hear (Acts 2:33). Without the Ascension, no Pentecostal outpouring, then, or now. And without His sending The Holy Spirit, we don't know how to pray (Rom. 8:26).
- He prepares a place for us in Glory, having promised to His first disciples that He would go to The Father's House to prepare a place for them and, by extension, for us (John 14:2). He is the faithful Bridegroom Who goes to His Father's House to prepare a place for us, His Bride. Without His Ascension to Glory, our hearts might well be troubled about the life to come.
- He will return from Glory to bring us to His and His Father's House. Jesus will physically return in the same physical way He ascended (Acts 1:11), coming on the clouds (Rev. 1:7) to gather His Chosen People (Mt. 24:31) to be with Him forever. History draws to a close when Jesus returns from His Ascension, not just making a final Resurrection appearance.
May this Ascended Lord of Glory draw you and me into His Presence here in The Holy Spirit and one day, face to Face.