The Ascension of Christ and His Current Session

The glorious resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is rightly celebrated as the cornerstone of Christian faith. Yet, another pivotal event, equally foundational but often less emphasized, is His ascension into heaven. This momentous occasion, occurring forty days after His resurrection, marks not an end, but a transition to a new phase of Christ's redemptive work, wherein He assumes His rightful place at the right hand of God, inaugurating His current session as our exalted Lord, High Priest, and King. Understanding the ascension and Christ's ongoing work in heaven is crucial for a complete grasp of our salvation and our hope.

The Event of the Ascension

The ascension was a literal, visible, bodily departure of Jesus Christ from earth to heaven. It was witnessed by His disciples, providing an undeniable confirmation of His resurrected body and His divine authority. After giving final instructions, Jesus was taken up before their very eyes, disappearing into a cloud. The book of Acts vividly describes this event:

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Acts 1:9-11

Luke's Gospel also records this significant departure, noting His blessing upon them as He ascended: Luke 24:50-51. Mark likewise testifies that "after he had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God" (Mark 16:19). This was not a disappearance, but a definitive, public exaltation, signifying the completion of His earthly ministry and the commencement of His heavenly one.

Biblical Prophecies and Foreshadowings of the Ascension

The ascension of Christ was not an unforeseen event but was foretold in the Old Testament scriptures, testifying to God's eternal plan. The psalmist prophesied of Christ's triumphant ascent:

Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

Psalms 68:18

This verse, later quoted by Paul in Ephesians 4:8, speaks of Christ's victory over sin and death, and His subsequent giving of gifts to men (the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts). Furthermore, the prophetic word in Psalms 110:1, "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool," clearly foreshadows Christ's enthronement at God's right hand after His ascension. Daniel's vision also speaks of the Son of man coming to the Ancient of days to receive dominion, glory, and a kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14), a prophecy fulfilled in Christ's ascension and current reign. These prophecies underscore the divine intentionality behind the ascension, demonstrating it as an integral part of God's redemptive purpose.

The Nature of Christ's Current Session

Upon His ascension, Christ did not become inactive; rather, He entered into a new, active phase of His ministry at the right hand of God. This "current session" encompasses several vital roles for believers:

  • Our Great High Priest: The book of Hebrews presents Christ as our compassionate and faithful High Priest, who has passed into the heavens. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose ministry was temporary and repeated, Christ offered Himself once for all.

    • Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

    Hebrews 4:14-16

    He ever liveth to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25), presenting His perfect sacrifice on our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24).

  • Our Advocate: When believers stumble and sin, Christ stands as our advocate before the Father.

    • My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

    1 John 2:1-2

    He pleads our case, not based on our righteousness, but on His own perfect righteousness and atoning work.

  • King and Head of the Church: Having ascended, Christ is enthroned as King of kings and Lord of lords. God has "set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:20-23). As Head of the Church, He sovereignly guides, protects, and sustains His body on earth (Colossians 1:18).
  • Preparing a Place: Christ's session also includes the promise of His return to take His people to be with Him. He assured His disciples, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:2-3). This ongoing preparation underscores the certainty of His second coming and our future eternal home with Him.

    • The Implications for Believers

    The ascension and Christ's current session have profound implications for every believer:

    • Assurance of Salvation: Christ's enthronement at God's right hand signifies God's complete acceptance of His atoning work. His resurrection proved His victory over death, and His ascension proved His victory over sin and His acceptance by the Father. "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Romans 8:34). Our salvation is secure because our Saviour is enthroned and actively interceding for us.
    • Access and Boldness in Prayer: Because we have such a High Priest, we can "come boldly unto the throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16). We have direct access to God through Him, knowing that our prayers are heard and presented by our perfect Advocate.
    • The Gift of the Holy Spirit: The ascension was a prerequisite for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said it was expedient for Him to go so that the Comforter could come (John 16:7). On the day of Pentecost, Peter declared, "Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear" (Acts 2:33). The Spirit empowers believers for ministry and enables them to live holy lives, connecting us to our ascended Lord.
    • Hope of His Return: The angels at the ascension promised, "this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). Our citizenship is in heaven, and "from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). The ascension points directly to the glorious second coming, giving us a blessed hope.
    • A Heavenly Perspective: Knowing that Christ is in heaven and we are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6) ought to transform our perspective. We are to "seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1), living with our minds set on eternal realities rather than solely on earthly pursuits.

    Conclusion

    The ascension of Christ is far more than a historical footnote; it is a vital doctrine that completes the narrative of His first advent and establishes the foundation for His ongoing ministry. It confirms His deity, His victory, and His authority. His current session at the right hand of God assures us of His continuous intercession, His advocacy, and His sovereign headship over the Church. As believers, we live under the reign of an ascended and enthroned Lord, empowered by His Spirit, and eagerly awaiting His promised return. This profound truth should fill our hearts with peace, confidence, and a heavenly focus, as we await the day when our ascended Lord will come again to take us to be with Him forever.