Lesson 6 - The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ

"I am the first and the last; I was dead and am now alive. Behold, I am alive for ever and ever, alleluia."

Resurrection Overview
- Christ rose gloriously from the dead on the third day after his death.
- The Resurrection is central to Apostolic doctrinal teaching.
- Apostles witness and testify forcefully about Christ's Resurrection.
- Evidence includes:
  - The empty tomb.
  - Numerous appearances of Jesus, during which He spoke to, touched, and ate with His disciples.

Historical and Transcendent Nature of the Resurrection
- The Resurrection is historically verified by the disciples who encountered the Risen Christ.
- It transcends human understanding as it represents Christ's entry into the glory of God.

Glory of the Risen Body
- The Body of the Risen Christ is in a state of glory.
- Evidence of His supremacy over the physical dimensions:
  - Retained wounds as evidence of His triumph over death.

Difference from Other Resuscitations
- Jesus’ Resurrection is distinct from resuscitations of individuals like Jairus’ daughter, Lazarus, or the young man at Nain.
- Unlike them, Christ's resurrected body is filled with the Holy Spirit and shares divine life, never to die again.

Redemptive Significance of the Resurrection
- The Resurrection completes the work of Redemption victoriously.
- Associated with Christ's death on the Cross as one complete act of salvation.

Miracle and Proof
- The Resurrection is the greatest miracle performed by Christ.
- It fulfills prophecies and serves as the strongest evidence for the truth of His teachings.

Properties of Resurrected Bodies – Impassibility
- Impassibility: Inability to suffer or be affected by physical evils (sorrow, sickness, death).

Properties of Resurrected Bodies – Agility
- Agility: The body’s ability to respond swiftly and effortlessly to the soul’s command.
- Examples:
  - Christ appearing suddenly in the midst of the Apostles and disappearing just as quickly.

Properties of Resurrected Bodies – Subtility
- Subtility: A spiritualized nature that does not transform into pure spirit but retains material essence.
- Derived from Christ's ability to emerge from a sealed tomb and pass through locked doors.

Properties of Resurrected Bodies – Clarity
- Clarity: Freedom from deformities, filled with beauty and radiance.
- Assurance from Jesus: “The just shall shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”
- The transfiguration of believers’ bodies will vary based on the soul's merits (1 Cor. 15:41 ff.).

Significance of the Resurrection
- The Resurrection provides access to new life.
- It fulfills redemption for the human race.
- It serves as the source of our own resurrection at the end of time.
- Symbols:
  - The phoenix: Symbol of resurrection.
  - The peacock: Symbol of eternal life and soul immortality.

True or False Quiz
- 1. Mary Magdalene was the first witness of the resurrection. (True)
- 1. The agility of the glorified body made it pass through walls. (True)
- 1. The empty tomb was sufficient proof of Christ’s resurrection. (False)
- 1. If Christ had not been raised, our study of Theology would be in vain. (True)
- 1. Christ’s resurrection gives hope against death and evil. (True)
- 1. The preeminent miracle was the raising of Lazarus. (False)
- 1. "[Jesus] was transfigured before them..." (Biblical foundation for clarity of glorified body.) (True)

The Ascension
- Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven
  - He ascended by His own divine power.

Nature of the Ascension
- Accomplished by Jesus through the power of His glorified soul that controls His body.

Significance of the Ascension
- Definitive glorification of Jesus’ human nature.
- It signifies the completion of His redemptive work.

Role of Jesus from Heaven
- Prepares a place for humanity, intercedes as our mediator of grace, and sends the Holy Spirit.

The Great Commission
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel:
  - "Go and make disciples..." (Mt 28:19-20)