What is the significance of the Ascension of Christ?

The Ascension is not just the departure of Jesus from earth; it marks His enthronement at the right hand of the Father. It affirms that His work of redemption is complete and that He now reigns as King, interceding for His people and sending the Holy Spirit to empower the church for mission.

Why did the disciples rejoice after Jesus ascended?

Though Jesus physically left them, the disciples rejoiced because they now understood the Scriptures and the purpose of His departure. He had conquered sin and death, and His ascension meant the Spirit would come and the mission of the church would begin.

How does the Ascension shape the mission of the church?

The Ascension launches the global mission of the church. Jesus told His disciples they would be His witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. His ascension enables the sending of the Spirit, who equips and empowers the church to proclaim the gospel everywhere.

What does the Ascension tell us about Jesus' current activity?

Jesus is not idle in heaven. He reigns at the right hand of the Father, gathers and defends His church, subdues her enemies, and intercedes for His people. The Ascension reminds us He is actively at work for our good right now.

How is the Ascension connected to the return of Christ?

The angels in Acts 1 declare that Jesus will return in the same way He ascended—bodily and visibly. The Ascension assures us not only of His reign but also of His promised return to consummate His kingdom and judge the living and the dead.

The Ascension of Christ | Reigning King and Returning Savior

"The Ascension of Christ" text on a sky background with clouds and sunset

Why the Ascension Matters

The Ascension of Jesus Christ is one of the most overlooked parts of the gospel story—but it’s essential to understanding who Christ is and what He’s doing even now. After His resurrection, Jesus was taken up into heaven, where He now reigns at the right hand of God the Father. This isn’t just the end of the story—it’s the exaltation of our Savior, the empowerment of His church, and the promise of His return.

In these sermons on the Ascension, you’ll find faithful Reformed preaching drawn from passages like Acts 1 and Luke 24. These messages explore how the ascension of Christ shapes our worship, fuels our hope, and sends us into the world as His witnesses. Whether you’re studying the Ascension for the first time or looking to reflect more deeply, we pray these resources help you see the glory of your risen and reigning King.

Sermons on the Ascension

Psalm 24

Luke 24:44-53

Acts 1:1-11

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ascension of Christ

What is the Ascension of Christ?

The Ascension refers to the bodily departure of Jesus into heaven, 40 days after His resurrection. According to Acts 1:9, He was taken up before His disciples’ eyes and a cloud hid Him from their sight. This event marks the end of Christ’s earthly ministry and the beginning of His exalted reign at the right hand of the Father.

Why is the Ascension important for Christians today?

Because it means Jesus is reigning now. The Ascension confirms His victory over sin and death and assures believers that His work is ongoing—He is interceding for us, sending the Spirit, and ruling all things for the good of His church. The Ascension is not just a departure—it’s an arrival. Jesus is seated in power for our benefit.

Where is Jesus now, and what is he doing?

Jesus is at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. He is our exalted King, our high priest, and our intercessor. He pleads our case before the Father, equips His church with spiritual gifts, and subdues her enemies. The Ascension assures us that He is actively reigning and working for His people.

How does the Ascension give us hope?

It gives us confidence that we will one day be with Christ in glory. Because our human nature is already in heaven with Him, we are assured that our future is secure. As the Heidelberg Catechism reminds us, Christ’s presence in heaven is a guarantee that He will take His people to be with Him forever.

What does the Bible say about the Ascension?

Key passages include Luke 24:50–53 and Acts 1:1–11. The Ascension is also referenced in Psalm 110, Daniel 7, and Ephesians 1. The New Testament frequently describes Jesus as being “seated at the right hand of the Father,” a phrase that emphasizes His authority and ongoing work.

Is the Ascension just a historical event, or does it still matter?

It’s both. It happened in real time and space, but its significance is ongoing. The Ascension shapes Christian worship, our understanding of Christ’s lordship, and our confidence in the gospel. Because Christ ascended, His people are sent to proclaim that good news to the world.

Why did Jesus have to leave the earth?

Jesus left in order to reign. If He had stayed, His ministry would have remained limited to one place. But by ascending, He poured out the Holy Spirit on His people and ensured that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth. His departure was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, not a detour.

What does it mean that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father?

This means He holds the position of highest authority and honor. From there, He governs all things, defends His church, sends the Holy Spirit, and intercedes for believers. His current reign is not passive or distant—it’s active and personal.

How is the Ascension connected to the coming of the Holy Spirit?

Jesus said it was necessary for Him to go so that the Spirit could come (John 16:7). After His Ascension, He sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering the disciples to be His witnesses. The Ascension enabled the global spread of the gospel through the Spirit’s work.

What comfort do believers have because Christ has ascended?

Believers are never alone. Christ is in heaven as our advocate and Savior. He is preparing a place for us and ensuring that we will one day be with Him. The Ascension assures us that Jesus is ruling, interceding, and working for our good—every day.

The Story Continues After the Ascension

Ten days after Christ’s ascension, the promised Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost.

➡️ Explore our full teaching on Pentecost

Ready to Go Deeper?

The Ascension of Jesus isn’t just a moment in redemptive history—it’s a living reality. If these messages have helped you see Christ more clearly, we invite you to keep exploring. Join us for worship this Sunday, browse more of our sermon series, or subscribe for new content that will encourage and equip you in your walk with the risen and reigning King.

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