The Ascension and Return of Jesus Christ

Ascension

Jesus's return to heaven after resurrection.

Anchor for the Soul

Hope in Jesus's ascension as spiritual stability.

High Priest

Jesus as eternal mediator in Melchizedek's order.

Luke's Account

Two descriptions of ascension in Luke's writings.

Holy Spirit

Empowerment given to disciples for mission.

Joel's Prophecy

Promise of Spirit's outpouring on all people.

Last Days

Period marked by the Holy Spirit's new presence.

Salvation Announcement

Everyone calling on the Lord will be saved.

Exalted State

Jesus's position at God's right hand.

Spirit Giver

Jesus sends the Holy Spirit after ascension.

Worship Expectation

Ascension initiates worship of Jesus and the Father.

Trinitarian Worship

Worship involving Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Resurrection Appearances

Jesus's post-resurrection interactions before ascension.

Vice-Regent

Jesus's role as God's representative on earth.

Visual Marvel

Ascension described with imagery and metaphor.

Heaven-Earth Divide

Ascension signifies Jesus's transcendence over creation.

End of Resurrection Appearances

Transition from visible Jesus to exalted Christ.

Empowerment for Mission

Disciples equipped by Spirit for spreading Gospel.

Acts 2:17

Fulfillment of prophecy regarding Spirit's outpouring.

Acts 2:21

Promise of salvation through calling on the Lord.

Matthew 28:9

Worship of risen Jesus by disciples.

Mythology Dismissal

Criticism of ascension as mere mythological event.

Ascension

Jesus's elevation to heaven after resurrection.

Disciples' Worship

Followers honored Jesus post-ascension (Luke 24:52).

Prayers in Jesus's Name

Devotional acts invoking Jesus for divine benefits.

Baptisms in Jesus's Name

Ceremonial rites performed to signify faith in Jesus.

Healings in Jesus's Name

Miraculous recoveries attributed to Jesus's authority.

Return of Jesus

Jesus's promised second coming to earth.

Acts 1:11

Angels affirm Jesus will return as he left.

Holy Spirit Advocate

The Spirit sent to assist believers after Jesus's departure.

Power from on High

Divine empowerment for disciples to witness (Luke 24:49).

Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth

Disciples tasked to spread Jesus's message globally (Acts 1:8).

Regent of the Cosmos

Jesus's role as sovereign ruler over the universe.

Psalm 110

Old Testament passage frequently echoed in the New Testament.

Right Hand of God

Position of honor and authority held by Jesus.

Humanity's Role

Commission to rule creation on God's behalf (Genesis 1:28).

Image of God

Humanity's representation of divine authority on earth.

Psalm 8

Affirms human beings' crowned status and dominion.

Acts 2:38

Call to repentance and baptism in Jesus's name.

Acts 3:6

Peter heals in Jesus's name at the temple.

Acts 4:18

Disciples commanded not to speak in Jesus's name.

Acts 5:40

Apostles beaten for preaching Jesus's name.

Acts 8:12

Philip baptizes believers in Jesus's name.

Acts 16

Miracles performed through faith in Jesus.

J. A. T. Robinson

Theologian who linked ascension to Jesus's return.

Psalm 8

Highlights Jesus as humanity's ideal representative.

Ascension Day

Celebrates Jesus' ascension and ongoing reign.

Bruce Metzger

Noted textual critic discussing Christ's authority.

Footstool for your feet

Symbolizes Christ's triumph over enemies.

Mighty scepter

Represents Christ's rule and authority from Zion.

Holy splendor

Describes the majesty of Christ's reign.

Principalities and powers

Spiritual forces defeated by Christ's ascension.

Session of Jesus

Refers to Jesus' post-ascension authority.

Spiritual triumphalism

Warning against church's political ambitions.

Royal calling

Believers' responsibility to live worthy lives.

Divine authority

Jesus' exaltation grants him ultimate power.

Vice-regent

Jesus as God's appointed ruler on earth.

Psalm 110

Affirms Jesus' exaltation and ruling status.

Control of universe

Jesus oversees all creation post-exaltation.

Redemption and renewal

Jesus as key agent in restoring creation.

Polycarp's letter

Encourages discipleship through service and truth.

Reign of Jesus

Living under Jesus' authority and guidance.

Every knee should bow

Universal acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship.

Awe at grace

Recognition of God's transformative power in believers.

Judge of the living and dead

Jesus' role in final judgment.

Heavenly throne

Symbolizes Jesus' exalted status and authority.

Earthly authorities

Believers' relationship with secular powers.

Discipleship implications

Following Jesus requires active faith and service.

Crowning with glory

God's honor bestowed upon Jesus for salvation.

Jesus is Lord

Central confession of Christian faith.

High Priest

Jesus mediates between God and humanity.

Mediation

Jesus' role in reconciling God and humanity.

Atoning Death

Jesus' sacrifice for humanity's sins.

Heavenly Sanctuary

Spiritual realm where Jesus intercedes for believers.

Forerunner

Jesus leads believers into God's presence.

Intercession

Jesus advocates for believers before God.

High Priestly Prayer

Jesus' prayer for his followers in John 17.

Exaltation

Jesus' elevation to God's right hand.

Brazen Confidence

Believers' assurance of God's favor.

Shameless Security

Believers' sense of safety in God's presence.

Union with Christ

Believers share in Jesus' death and resurrection.

Reigning with Christ

Believers' future hope of ruling with Jesus.

Realized Kingdom

Believers' current participation in Christ's reign.

Ephesians 2:6

Believers seated with Christ in heavenly realms.

Colossians 3:1

Believers raised with Christ, focused on heavenly things.

Return of the King

Anticipation of Jesus' second coming.

Spirit of Christ

Empowers believers to advance Jesus' kingdom.

Ancient Jewish Wedding

Ceremony involving betrothal and joyful procession.

Bridegroom's Party

Group that fetches the bride for the ceremony.

Jubilant Fanfare

Celebratory atmosphere during the wedding procession.

Musical Instruments

Used to celebrate during the wedding ceremony.

Bride's Carriage

Transport for the bride to the groom's house.

Bridegroom

The man who marries the bride in a ceremony.

Marriage Contract

Legal agreement outlining the terms of marriage.

Consummation

The act of completing the marriage physically.

Feasting

Celebratory meals following the marriage ceremony.

Judicial Event

A formal event recognized by law and society.

Garlands

Floral decorations worn by the couple during the ceremony.

Second Coming

The anticipated return of Jesus to Earth.

Parable of the Virgins

A story illustrating readiness for Jesus's return.