Creed (Week 4): The Ascension of Jesus
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I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, one holy Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
He ascended into heaven, and he is ascended and he will descend at the right hand of the Father.
This momentous occasion holds deep significance for our faith, revealing essential truths about Christ's earthly mission, his divine nature, and the eternal plan of salvation.
Acts 1:9-11 (NLT):
"After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!’”
The ascension of Jesus is a tangible demonstration of his victory over sin and death.
Philippians 2:8-9 (NLT):
"He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names.”
Ascension to heaven is the culmination of his obedience and sacrifice on the cross.
Hebrews 12:2 (NLT):
"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Jesus being seated at the right hand of the Father signifies his authority and reign over all creation. It is also significant to the completion and victory over sin and death for us.
Romans 8:34 (NLT):
"Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us."
Hebrews 7:25 (NLT):
"Therefore, he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”
1 John 2:1-2 (NLT):
"My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world."
Jesus is our advocate, Christ pleads our case before the Father. His righteousness and sacrifice provide the basis for our forgiveness. Since Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf, we can have confidence that nothing can separate us from God's love.
Stephen makes a startling discovery that Jesus is where he said he would be after His life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
Acts 7:56:
”Look," he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!"
Revelation 5:11-14 (NLT):
"Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus: 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.' And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: 'Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.' The four living beings said, 'Amen!' And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped."
