"Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God."  Luke 24:45-53

"And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'"  Acts 1:9-11

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep… But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ."  1 Corinthians 15:20, 23

Heidelberg Catechism: Question 50

Q: Why the next words: “and is seated at the right hand of God”?

A: Because Christ ascended to heaven to show there that he is head of his church, the one through whom the Father rules all things.

Heidelberg Catechism: Question 52
Q: How does Christ’s return “to judge the living and the dead” comfort you? 

A: In all distress and persecution, with uplifted head I confidently await the very judge who has already offered himself to the judgment of God in my place and removed the whole curse from me. Christ will cast all his enemies and mine into everlasting condemnation, but will take me and all his chosen ones to himself into the joy and glory of heaven.

New City Catechism: Question 51
Q: Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension?

A: Christ physically ascended on our behalf, just as he came down to earth physically on our account, and he is now advocating for us in the presence of his Father, preparing a place for us, and also sends us his Spirit.

“Jesus sits on high, transfusing us with his power, that he may enliven us to spiritual life, sanctifies us by his Spirit, adorn his church with various gifts of his grace, keeps us safe from all harm by his protection, restrain the raging enemies of his cross, and of our salvation by the strength of his hand, and finally hold all power in heaven and on earth.”  John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion

THE ASCENSION:

1. Affirms the physical, advocates for a definitive place and anticipates a glorious future.

2. Establishes the rule and reign of King Jesus.

3. Empowers the people of God by the poured out Holy Spirit and protects his people by his intercession.

"Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us."  Romans 8:34

"but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."  Hebrews 7:24-25

4. Brings joy and confidence (hope).

“The disciples rejoiced (verse 53), because now for the first time they saw all things clearly about their Master. The veil was removed from their eyes. The darkness had at length passed away. The meaning of Christ’s humiliation – the meaning of his mysterious agony, and passion, and cross – the meaning of his being Messiah, and yet a sufferer – the meaning of his being crucified, and yet being the Son of God – was at length unraveled and made plain! They saw it. They understood it all. Their doubts were removed. Their stumbling blocks were taken away. Now at last they possessed clear knowledge – and possessing clear knowledge, they felt unmingled joy.”  J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels

APPLICATION:

1. The ascension underscores the goodness of physical creation and anticipates a superlative, dazzling, unparalleled eternal state for God’s people.

2. The sorrow of bewilderment and abandonment is turned into the joy of understanding the wonder of the risen and ascending Christ.

3. The ascension brings protection, empowerment, and understanding (John 16:13-14). 

4. The living Christ is even now “transfusing us with his power” as we cry out, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done.”