The Ascension and the Gospel

11 years ago this very day, I was in this cathedral in Brussels, Belgium, on the Feast of the Ascension. At that time in my life in Christ, I knew the story of Jesus rising into the heavens to return to the Father as the disciples watched in wonder, but the people reverently worshipping in the cathedral that day knew something about the ascension that I did not. 

The ascension is more than just a short story to wrap up the narrative of Jesus’s life on earth. Jesus immediately starts taking about returning the the Father as soon as he is resurrected (John 20:17; Luke 24:26). He also foretold it to his disciples many times throughout the gospels. 

It’s clear from Jesus’s own words: the gospel was not complete without his ascension, because the ascension is the coronation of Christ our King. It is the Son’s enthronement at the right hand of the Father. It is the moment that the Lamb who was slain began his eternal reign, ushering in the Kingdom of God and enacting the new covenant of our great High Priest (Heb. 8). 

Jesus’s enthronement is as essential to our life in Christ as his death and resurrection. The reality that our King and High Priest not only understands our weakness, but has the authority to intercede for us before the Father and send the Spirit to move on our behalf, encourages us in our weariness. Our need compels the King, and we are welcome in his throne room of grace (Heb. 4). As J.I. Packer said, “In sovereignty he now lavishes on us the benefits that his suffering won for us.”

Jesus’s ascension proves true the mocking statement that hung over his head at his crucifixion, “King of the Jews.” He is the Enthroned One. Even now his kingdom is breaking through, and because Jesus is ruling and reigning at the right hand of the Father, the kingdom will never stop coming. It will never stop healing. It will never stop pushing back the darkness until God finally restores our broken world and misshapen hearts. And, as Malcom Guite says in his sonnet, “Ascension Day,” we who have pledged our allegiance to him join him in “sing[ing] the waning darkness into light.”

Because Christ has ascended, we can have confidence in his promises yet to be fulfilled. Who in heaven or earth could stop the Risen and Enthroned Lord, who has received all authority in heaven and on earth? Because he is ruling and reigning in power, I believe our King when he says the he is with me always, even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). I believe him when he says he’s going to come again and make all things new. I believe him when he says he is making all things new even now. 

Alleluia! Christ the Lord has ascended into heaven: O come, let us adore him. Alleluia!