The document provides information about Jesus Christ's ascension to heaven according to Christian theology. It includes: 1) Bible verses and hymns related to the ascension, with analysis of passages from the Old and New Testaments describing Jesus returning to God in heaven. 2) Discussion of how the ascension fits within the context of Jewish traditions like the Feast of Weeks and significance of the "right hand". 3) Explanation of how Christ's exaltation through the ascension establishes his authority and role as prophet, priest and king for the benefit of believers.

1. Chain the Catechism: A topical study through the Lutheran confessionsApostle’s Creed: 2ndArticle-Exaltation: AscensionMemorization Verses: Jn 14:2-3 In My Father’s house…Jn 17:24 Father, I want those…Eph 1:20-23 [God] seated Him…Jn 16:7 It is for your good…Rm 8:34 [Christ] is at the right…Ps 110:1 The Lord says…

2. Hot Potato

3. PRAYERJesus, You ascended to the Father…Therefore…In heaven…Now as prophet…priest…king…

4. LSB#493 lutheran-hymnal.com/online/tlh-212.midD-|DEFDFG|A—-D-|DEFDFG|A---DC|1. A Hymn of glory let us sing:New songs throughout the world shall ring:Alleluia! Alleluia!Christ, by a road before untrod,Ascends unto the throne of God.Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!2. The holy apostolic bandUpon the Mount of Olives stand; Alleluia! And with His followers they seeJesus' resplendent majesty. Alleluia!...3. To them the shining angels cry,"Why stand and gaze upon the sky?” Alleluia!...This is the Savior!" thus they say;"This is His glorious triumph-day." Alleluia!...4. "You see Him now, ascending highUp to the portals of the sky.” Alleluia!...Hereafter Jesus you shall see,Returning in great majesty.” Alleluia!...5. Oh, grant us thitherward to tendAnd with unwearied hearts ascend Alleluia!...Unto Thy kingdom's throne, where Thou,As is our faith, art seated now. Alleluia!...6. Be now our joy on earth, O Lord, And be our future great reward. Alleluia!...So shall the light that springs from TheeBe ours through all eternity. Alleluia!...7. O risen Christ, ascended Lord,All praise to You let earth accord, Alleluia!...You are, while endless ages run,With Father and with Spirit One. Alleluia!...

5. DiscussionDali said that his inspiration for The Ascension of Christ came from a "cosmic dream" that he had in 1950, some eight years before the painting was completed. In the dream, which was in vivid color, he saw the nucleus of an atom, which we see in the background of the painting; Dali later realized that this nucleus was the true representation of the unifying spirit of Christ. The feet of Christ point out at the viewer, drawing the eye inwards along his body to the center of the atom behind him. The atom has the same interior structure as the head of a sunflower.

6. For Jesus to ascend to heaven with His material body is unimaginable. It would not conform to divine order, nor, to harmony. He ascended with an indestructible form not made of physical molecules, and not at all in a corruptible physical body.Let us stop to think about the resurrection of Jesus in flesh. Let our gauge be the principle of the harmony of science and religion.Would resurrection of Jesus in flesh not sound conflicting and contrary to science and reason? Would such condition be acceptable to the intellect? Does it sound like the old and cruel ignorance that the sun revolves around the earth?!2nd Art. Exaltation: What is Wrong?

7. Ascension: a)na/lhmyiv, a)nabaiðnw, To take up, spring up, be borne into, come to fullnessChrist returns to the Father, exalting the human nature to be unified idiomatically with the divine logos in authority, glory, name, and mediation status.Christ also leaves the world in bodily form, but comes to his Church in greater immediacy through the Spirit, gifts, word and sacrament2nd Art. Exaltation: Definition

8. Early Church (2nd-4th c.):Epiphaniushaeres. 69, p. 341: “As man with God, the Word, he was called the Son of God.” Origen lib. 9 comm. ad Rom. c.14: “One must not understand the knee-bending and every tongue confessing God in a bodily sense,…Rather, he defines the knee-bending as total subjection and obedience to God in worship.”Medieval Church:Thomas lect. 3 in c. 2 Phillip.: “Creatures of every kind, whether angels or men or demons are subject to Christ. Moreover, this subjection is of two kinds: one kind is willing, the other unwilling. The holy angels and saints are subject to Christ willingly, but demons and the condemned are not subject to Christ willingly, but unwillingly.”Reformation:Chemnitz in Harm. c. 28 p. 151, Three type s of Exaltation: John 12:32: When I have been raised up [exaltatus] from the earth, I will draw all men to myself. That he has been exalted to the right hand of God as the victor over sin and death (Acts 2:33; Hebr. 9:24). That the merit of Christ is placed before all through the ministry of the gospel as an exalted banner (Isa. 11:10).2nd Art. Exaltation: Church History

9. The act of ascension to heaven is an INCREDIBLE act of power and holiness. Develops the importance of bodily ascensionGen. 28, Jud. 13:20, 2 Ki. 2:11-12Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost (Shavuot): Renewing of the Abrahamic covenant 50 weeks after the first Sabbath of unleavened bread (First-Fruits)Codified during the Sinaitic covenant (Exodus) as a symbol of a return or conclusion to great sufferingHebraic importance of the “right hand”Connoting military power, kingly authority, and is a status of equalityBut Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head (Gen. 48:14)“You stretch out your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies.” (Ex. 15:12) your right hand is filled with righteousness. (Ps. 48:10)Psalms and Prophets attesting to future messianic glory“The Lord said to my lord, sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool.” (Psalm 110:1)2nd Art. Exaltation: OT Context

10. 2nd Art. Exaltation: OT ExegesisEwr (Ruwm) ToAymy (Yamin): Right hand of Power. The stronger hand.Hl( ‘alah): To go up/ascend. To meet as an offering.Psalm 44:3 ”It was not by the sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.”Prov. 30:4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!Is. 14:12-15 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.

11. Christ is accused of blaspheming by his declaration that he will sit at God’s right hand in gloryChrist exalts the body and brings it into heavenly dominionAscension is a reversal of the Pentecostal feast where man gives gifts to God after great suffering.Christ gives gifts after His suffering to his people.The intense relationship between the Trinitarian person is revealed at PentecostDominion developed within the context of the Church CommunityChurch is seen as the fulfillment of the incarnate body. We are his representativesWe continue the feast of Pentecost by partaking in the feast of Passover: the Sacrament of the Altar2nd Art. Exaltation: NT Context

12. 2nd Art. Exaltation: NT ExegesisKaqiðzw (Kathizo): to complete a long sourjourn. To be enthroned or to be appointed a kingdom. Shows that Christ is enthroned by God’s authority after a long journey. He comes to fulness of Exaltationa)nalamba/nw (analambano):To raise up in order to useChrist is appointed as he is taken up to judge and to reign as mediator within the Trinity.dieÑrxomai (Deirochomi)To travel through a region to get to a goal destiniationsumpaqeÑw(Sumpetheo)To understand personally the emotions, feelings, and experiences Parrhsiða (Parhesia)Freedom to speek freely, to speak our mindsqronw thvxaritov(ThronoCaritos)Throne of Grace assigned to Kings where they administer and mediate for the people.kefalh / swÜma(Kephale/Soma)Head and Body, Christ is supreme, where are his ambassadors.A single unified society/family. We are the fullness of his incarnation. Mark 16:19:After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Heb. 4:14-16: Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Eph. 1:19-23: and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, uaccording to the working of vhis great might 20 that he worked in Christ wwhen he raised him from the dead andxseated him at his right hand yin the heavenly places, 21 zfar above aall rule and authority and power and dominion, and above bevery name that is named, not only in cthis age but also in the one to come. 22 Anddhe put all things under his feet and gave him as ehead over all things to the church,which is his body, gthe fullness of him hwho fills iall in all.

13. My Lord Jesus Christ is Lord over death, Satan, sin, righteousness, body, life, foes and friends. What shall I fear? For while my enemies stand before my very door and plan to slay me, my faith reasons thus: Christ is ascended into heaven and become Lord over all creatures, hence my enemies, too, must be subject to him and thus it is not in their power to do me harm. I challenge them to raise a finger against me or to injure a hair of my head against the will of my Lord Jesus Christ. When faith grasps and stands upon this article, it stands firm and waxes bold and defiant, so as even to say: If my Lord so wills that they, mine enemies, slay me, blessed am I; I gladly depart. Thus you will see that he is ascended into heaven, not to remain in indifference, but to exercise dominion; and all for our good, to afford us comfort and joy.

14. Interlinear Study Bible on StudyLight.orghttp://www.studylight.org/isb/bible.cgi?query=Ephesians+4%3A10§ion=0&it=nas&oq=Lamentations%25203%3A18-26&ot=bhs&nt=na&new=1&nb=la&ng=3&ncc=3Lu 24:51;Eph 4:10;Jn 14:2-3;Jn 17:24;Acts 1:9-11;Ephesians 1:16-23 - Passage Lookup - New International Version - BibleGateway.comhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lu%2024:51;Eph%204:10;Jn%2014:2-3;Jn%2017:24;Acts%201:9-11;Ephesians%201:16-23&version=NIVPsalm 110:1 - Passage Lookup - New International Version - BibleGateway.comhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+110%3A1&version=NIVluther on ascension - Google Searchhttp://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_en___US363&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=luther+on+ascensionLuther on the ascension « THE AVENUEhttp://auburnavenue.wordpress.com/2008/05/04/luther-on-the-ascension/Ascension of Jesus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascension_of_Jesus Exegetical Brief: Ephesians 1:23 – The "Fullness" of Ascension Comfort | Essay Filehttp://www.wlsessays.net/node/1385The State of Exinanition and Exaltation | Essay Filehttp://www.wlsessays.net/node/637pentecostal understanding of when the spirit came in the world - Google Searchhttp://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_en___US363&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=ascension+power+of+the+spirit#sclient=psy&hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1GGGE_en___US363&biw=1280&bih=866&source=hp&q=pentecostal+understanding+of+when+the+spirit+came+in+the+world&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&fp=fcbb0051646d98a3www.trin.cam.ac.uk/show.php?dowid=530http://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/show.php?dowid=530Alpha and Omega Ministries, The Christian Apologetics Ministry of James R. Whitehttp://www.aomin.org/results.html?cx=015138337201457149671%3Adhrmihpmjl0&cof=FORID%3A11&q=sitting+at+the+right+hand&sa=Search&siteurl=www.aomin.org%2Farticles%2Farticles.htmlConcerning the Sitting at the Right Hand of the Father.http://christianbookshelf.org/john/exposition_of_the_orthodox_faith/chapter_ii_concerning_the_sitting_at.htm How to Defend the Indefensiblehttp://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=2198Shavuot - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShavuotHistory of Pentecost - Wikibooks, open books for an open worldhttp://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/History_of_PentecostWhat is the significance of sitting at the right hand of God? | Bible.org - Worlds Largest Bible Study Sitehttp://bible.org/question/what-significance-sitting-right-hand-godSUMMA THEOLOGICA: Christ's sitting at the right hand of the Father (Tertia Pars, Q. 58)http://www.newadvent.org/summa/4058.htmWhy does Scripture emphasize the right hand of God?http://www.gotquestions.org/right-hand-God.htmlImportance of Jesus Standing at the Right Hand of God | eHow.comhttp://www.ehow.com/info_7804662_importance-standing-right-hand-god.htmlGod’s right hand symbolize « Atozmom's Bloghttps://atozmom.wordpress.com/tag/gods-right-hand-symbolize/ http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/ascension-of-jesus-christ.html2nd Art. Exaltation: Bibliography

15. 2nd Article of the Apostle’s Creed:Exaltation: AscensionWhat do the scriptures teach about Christ’s ascension? What does it mean that Christ sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty? What comfort do we get from Christ’s ascension to the right hand of God? SS: AscensionM: Sits at the Right Hand of GodT : ProphetW: PriestTh: King

16. SS: AscensionThe scriptures teach that 40 days after His resurrection, Christ, in the presence of His disciples, ascended bodily into the glory of His Father, to prepare a place for us in heaven. Luke 24:51 While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.Eph. 4:10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens.John 14:2-3 In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. John 17:24 Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory. Bible narrative: Christ's ascension (Acts 1:9-11). After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”•Pray: O most glorious triumphant Jesus, Your entry into heaven, after You had conquered all the powers of darkness, did as far exceed the pomp and grandeur of an earthly triumph, as Your divine Person did exceed all the princes and conquerors of this world. Allow me with an eye of faith to accompany You into the highest of heavens, and behold the glory wherewith You are now honored at Your Father’s right hand above. Amen. (Johann Gerhard, 1582-1637)

17. M Christ Sits at the Right Hand of God The Father AlmightyWith this expression Scripture teaches that Christ, as true man, is not only present everywhere, but also now fully exercises His divine power over the whole universe.Eph 1:20-23 [God] seated Him [Christ] at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.• Pray: O God, the Father of our Savior Jesus Christ, Your name is great, Your nature is blissful. Your goodness is inexhaustible, God and Ruler of all things, who is blessed forever. Before You stands thousands and thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand, the host of holy angels and archangels. Sanctify, O Lord, our souls and bodies and spirits, search our consciences, and cast out of us every evil thought, every base desire, all envy and pride, all wrath and anger, and all that is contrary to Your holy will. And grant us, O Lord, Lover of men, with a pure heart and contrite soul, to call upon You, our holy God and Father who is in heaven. Amen. (Liturgy of St. James, c. 4th c.).

18. T Prophet We know that the exalted God-man, ChristA. as our Prophet sends people to proclaim the saving Gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit; Eph. 4:10-12 [He] ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Luke 10:16 He who listens to you listens to Me. John 16:7 It is for your good that I [Jesus] am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.•Pray: O Lord, bestow on us Your grace, with blessings rich provide us. And may the brightness of Your face to life eternal guide us that we Your saving health may know, Your gracious will and pleasure, and also to the heathen show Your riches without measure and unto God convert them. Amen. (Luther).

19. W Priest B. as our Priest pleads and prays for us before the Father;Rom. 8:34 [Christ] is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 1 John 2:1 If anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.•

20. ThKing C. As our King rules and protects His church and governs over all the world especially for the benefit of His church.Ps 110:1 The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet."Eph 1:20-23 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.• Pray: Rule, O God the Son, who has redeemed and ransomed us from sin. Take from us the burden of sin committed during the week now past, and graciously grant us Your peace. You are the supreme Bishop and Archshepherd of our souls. Help all servants of Your word in this and all Your congregations on earth to labor and bring forth much fruit unto eternal life. Amen. (Johann Habermann, 1516-90).

21. ConclusionThe scriptures teach that 40 days after His resurrection, Christ, in the presence of His disciples, ascended bodily into the glory of His Father, to prepare a place for us in heaven.With this expression Scripture teaches that Christ, as true man, is not only present everywhere, but also now fully exercises His divine power over the whole universe.We know that the exalted God-man, Christas our Prophet sends people to proclaim the saving Gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit; as our Priest pleads and prays for us before the Father;C. As our King rules and protects His church and governs over all the world especially for the benefit of His church.

22. 2nd Article:Exaltation: 2nd ComingNext Time…(5/20)