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I BELIEVE IN THE ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN (6 OF 11)

by Joe Alain

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11
This content is part of a series.


I Believe in the Ascension into Heaven (6 of 11)
Series: The Apostles Creed
Joe Alain
Acts 1:1-11


Series: The sixth sermon in a series of eleven sermons on ''The Apostles' Creed, These Things We Believe.''

Introduction: The Apostles' Creed states concerning Jesus that, ''He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father.'' When we speak of the ascension of Jesus, we are referring to the event in Jesus' life in which he departed visibly from the disciples into heaven. Here is how Luke describes that event and what happened. Read Acts 1:1-11. Note: Trinitarian language throughout this passage. Biblical writers assumed the Trinity, this is how God has revealed Himself and works.

After Jesus' resurrection, he remained on earth for a 40-day period. During that time Jesus appeared to different groups of disciples teaching and preparing them for the time when he would return to the Father and they in turn would become his hands and feet continuing his mission in the world. The ascension occurred on the Mount of Olives (see 1:12), a hill overlooking the city of Jerusalem. Luke tells us that Jesus ''was taken up before their very eyes'' (1:9a). When he was ''taken up'' ''a cloud hid him from their sight'' (1:9b). Often in the Bible, a cloud symbolizes the glory of God, his presence. In the OT, it was a cloud that hovered over the tabernacle, the place of worship in the wilderness wanderings. It was a cloud that overshadowed Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. This cloud in Acts 1 no doubt signaled to the watching disciples that God was present and active.

As Jesus ascended, the disciples ''were looking intently up into the sky'' (1:10). They had to be both awestruck and a little confused. In one moment Jesus is talking with them and sharing a meal and the next moment he is rising up into the sky, going away. The disciples probably have a mix of emotions. It wasn't that long ago that they thought Jesus was dead and gone. Then, he ros ...

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