6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” —Acts 1:6-11
Five Key Ascension Facts
It was witnessed by many as he visibly and bodily ascended out of their sight
9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” —Acts 1:9-11
It was predicted by the Old Testament and by Jesus
33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
35 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ —Acts 2:33-352 Kings 2:1-5 —2 Kings 2:1-5
13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.[a] —John 3:13
62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? —John 6:62
17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” —John 20:17
There is significant cloud imagery
38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. —Exodus 40:38
13 “I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him. —Daniel 7:1334 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One;[a] listen to him!” —Luke 9:34-35
27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. —Luke 21:27
Immediately afterward heavenly messengers appeared
10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” —Acts 1:10-11
Historically, Christ’s ascension had an important place in apostolic preaching, creeds, and catechisms.
Five Reasons Why the Ascension Matters
It proves that Christ’s cross work is complete and finished.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, —Philippians 2:9
16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He[a] was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated[b] by the Spirit,[c]
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory. —1 Timothy 3:16
It began a new era in redemptive history in which the Holy Spirt indwells and empowers believers
7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. —John 16:7
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” —Acts 1:8
It set Christ on his rightful throne
13 “I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed. —Daniel 7:13-1422 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. —1 Peter 3:22
It began Jesus’ present ministry of intercession at God’s right hand.
25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost[a] those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. —Hebrews 7:25
2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. —John 2:1
It promises our future hope of heaven.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. —John 14:3
Acts 1:11 —Acts 1:11