Acts 1:9 “Now when He (Jesus) had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” “And he said unto them, You are from beneath; I am from above: you are of this world; I am not of this world.” Jn. 8:23 Ascension Death Burial Only 2 others been taken bodily from the earth Enoch – Gen. 5:24 Elijah – 2 Ki. 2:11 Elijah – 2 Ki. 2:11 Ascension Death Resurrection 40 Days 10 Appearances recorded Witnesses were watching – Acts 1:9 Open daylight Bethlehem Acts 1:12 “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.” Acts 1:9 “A cloud received him out of their sight” Lk. 24:51 “While He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” 1 Pet. 3:22 “Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him.” Did He ascend back to Heaven ? Could He not have remained ? Think of all the good He could do ! If He were here would not all believe ? “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” Jn. 1:11 “Despised and rejected of men” Isa. 53:3 Did He ascend back to Heaven ? Died on the cross for remission of our sins Had to ascend back to complete the payment God required sacrifice for sin Law of Moses, high priest went into Most Holy place with blood Did He ascend back to Heaven ? “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” Heb. 9:11-12 Did He ascend back to Heaven ? “For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” Heb. 9:24 Did He ascend back to Heaven ? To assist in keeping Christians Saved “My little children, these things write I unto you, that you not sin.” 1 Jn. 2:1 “if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 Jn. 2:1-2 Advocate = intercessor, comforter Did He ascend back to Heaven ? Better, Profitable - “to your advantage” John 16:7 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” Holy Spirit Did He ascend back to Heaven ? "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” Jn. 16:13 Did He ascend back to Heaven ? “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” Existed before coming to the earth Born of the virgin Mary Lived on earth for 33 years Ascended back to Heaven “He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.” Eph. 4:10 …makes the Gospel Complete ! Death Ascension Resurrection Return In Christ = SAVED Baptized (Gal.3:27) Confess (Rom.10:10) Repent (Lk.13:3) Believe (Jn.8:24) Hear (Rom.10:17)