Ascension Day, also known as Ascension Thursday, commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven according to the Bible. It occurs 40 days after Easter Sunday, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here is an in-depth look at what the Bible says about the ascension of Jesus and the significance of Ascension Day for Christians.
The Biblical Account of the Ascension
According to the Bible, after Jesus was resurrected from the dead on Easter morning, he appeared to his disciples and followers over a 40-day period, offering proof that he had conquered death and Instructions for spreading the gospel. Several biblical passages describe the events of the ascension.
In Acts 1:3-11, Jesus is with his disciples on the Mount of Olives near Bethany. After speaking with them and blessing them, Jesus is taken up into heaven as the disciples watch in amazement. While Jesus is ascending, two angels appear and tell the disciples that Jesus will return in the same manner that he left.
The ending of the Gospel of Luke also describes the ascension: “When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (Luke 24:50-53)
The Gospel of Mark also confirms the account of Jesus ascending into heaven after appearing to his followers: “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19)
Additional details about the ascension are found elsewhere in the New Testament. In John’s gospel, Jesus foretells his ascension to the disciples: “What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?” (John 6:62) The epistles also refer to Christ ascending to fill the heavens and sitting at the right hand of God in heaven. (Ephesians 4:10, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 4:14)
The Meaning and Significance of the Ascension
The ascension of Jesus Christ holds great theological and spiritual significance for Christians. Here are some of the key meanings behind his ascension into heaven:
- Exaltation and Glorification of Jesus – The ascension was the final step in Christ’s exaltation after the resurrection. His return to the Father in heaven is seen as proof of God’s approval and glorification of the Son for completing his work of salvation on earth.
- Transition of Power – By ascending, Jesus transferred responsibility and authority to his disciples to continue his work and carry the gospel message to the ends of the earth.
- Promise of Return – Jesus ascended with the promise that he would return again in glory at the Second Coming to judge the living and the dead.
- Victory Over Evil – The ascension proclaimed Christ’s supremacy over sin, death, and Satan – a victory won through his sacrificial death and resurrection.
- Basis of Christian Hope – Jesus’ bodily entrance into heaven is the basis for the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life with him in heaven.
- Heaven as Final Destination – The ascension affirms heaven as the final destination after death for those united to Christ by faith.
By ascending into heaven, Jesus opened the way for believers to follow. The ascension reminds Christians that although Jesus is no longer present on earth physically, he remains present spiritually through the Holy Spirit and the community of believers. He lives to make intercession as the eternal high priest and send down spiritual gifts from heaven to empower the church.
History and Traditions of Ascension Day
The event of Jesus ascending into heaven has been commemorated since the early days of the church. Here is how Ascension Day traditions developed over time:
- Observance of a forty-day period between Easter and the ascension traces back to around the year 68 AD.
- Ascension Day celebrations and feasts occurred in the 4th century, often tied to baptism observances.
- In the 6th century, Gregory the Great standardized the observance of Ascension Day to forty days after Easter.
- The 8th Council of Toledo in 653 AD decreed all churches should observe Ascension Day.
- By the Middle Ages, the church widely celebrated Ascension Day with processions and theatrical depictions.
- The Eastern Orthodox Church has long observed Ascension Day, linking it to Pentecost 40 days later.
- Many Protestant churches, including Anglican and Lutheran churches, continue to observe Ascension Day.
- Roman Catholic areas observe Ascension Day as a Holy Day of Obligation in many countries.
- The Eastern Orthodox Church calls it “The Feast of Ascension” and it is one of their twelve Great Feasts.
- Many churches hold special services on Ascension Day with singing, Bible readings, and sermons.
While not all churches formally celebrate the holiday, Ascension Day remains significant for affirming essential Christian beliefs about the exaltation of Christ following his time on earth.
Ascension Day Symbols and Traditions
Various traditions, symbols, and activities have become associated with Ascension Day celebrations over the centuries. These include:
- Raising a crucifix during church services to commemorate Jesus’ ascension.
- Extinguishing the Paschal candle after the Gospel reading to reflect Christ’s departure.
- Lifting or tearing a cloth hanging behind the altar during the ascension account.
- Reading from Luke 24, Mark 16, Acts 1, and other scriptural accounts of the ascension.
- Singing hymns of worship including “Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise.”
- Saying the Ninth Hour or Compline prayers as Christ’s final earthly acts.
- Eating bird-shaped cakes and beef tongue to represent the “heavenly bird.”
- Decorating homes and churches with cloud banners to mimic Christ ascending.
- Throwing rose petals into the air outside to commemorate Jesus’ ascent.
These visible symbols and traditions help recount the story of Christ returning to heaven that is recorded in scripture. They reflect on the historical event while pointing to its ongoing significance for Christian spirituality.
Typical Ascension Day Church Services
Ascension Day services in churches that observe the holiday follow a typical pattern that focuses on telling the story of the ascension and highlighting its theological meaning. Services commonly include:
- Reading and preaching on the biblical accounts of the ascension, especially Luke 24:50-53.
- Singing hymns celebrating Christ’s exaltation like “Crown Him with Many Crowns.”
- Reciting historic Christian creeds that mention the ascension such as the Nicene Creed.
- Observing moments of silence for reflection and prayer on Jesus’ departure.
- Praying for empowerment by the Holy Spirit promised at the ascension.
- Conducting confirmations remembering the arrival of the Spirit at Pentecost.
- Asking questions and facilitating discussion about the meaning of the ascension.
Whether elaborate or simple, Ascension Day services aim to joyfully commemorate Christ’s victorious exaltation while also prompting reflection on living faithfully in light of his departure back to the Father.
Ascension Theology and Doctrine
The ascension of Jesus has profound implications for Christian theology and doctrine. Some key theological teachings connected to the ascension include:
- Evidence of Jesus’ Divine Nature – Only God is present in heaven, so ascension displayed Christ’s divine status.
- Humanity in Heaven – Jesus ascended bodily, indicating tangible human presence in the Godhead.
- Heaven as God’s Realm – The ascension depicted heaven as a localized place ruled by God.
- Christ as Cosmic Ruler – Jesus ascended to a position of authority over creation.
- Salvation through Faith Alone – The ascension ratified salvation by grace rather than righteous works.
- Holy Spirit Empowerment – Jesus left after empowering Spirit-led mission of the church.
- Second Coming Expectation – Descending from heaven anticipates Christ’s eventual return.
- Resurrection Destiny – Our future bodily resurrection is guaranteed by Christ’s.
This list reveals how the ascension is integral to doctrines about Christ’s divinity, salvation, the end times, and humanity’s hope for new creation. Theologians continue mining its doctrinal significance today.
The Ongoing Significance of the Ascension
The ascension is more than just a past event for Christians – it has ongoing relevance for the church and individual believers today. Key ways the ascension continues to be significant include:
- Model for Seeking Heaven – Jesus blazed a trail back to heaven that we follow by seeking godliness.
- Holy Spirit Empowerment – Christ’s exaltation unleashed the Spirit who empowers the church.
- Intercessory Prayer – We have an advocate pleading our cause before the Father in heaven.
- Kingdom Advancement – Jesus is enthroned as king, enabling gospel proclamation.
- Eternal Life Hope – The ascended Christ gives hope we will participate in heavenly resurrection.
- Motivation for Mission – Expanding God’s earthly kingdom advances Christ’s heavenly reign.
- Divine Identification – As God’s children, we are citizens of Christ’s heavenly kingdom now.
- Confidence in Judgment – One day Jesus will return from heaven to fully establish God’s justice.
This demonstrates that the ascension is not just an article of history but an event that still shapes Christian purposes and perspective. Linking earthly living with Christ’s heavenly reign brings power and direction.
Key Points about Ascension Day
In summary, here are the main points to understand about Ascension Day:
- It commemorates Jesus ascending into heaven as recorded in Luke 24, Acts 1, and other scriptures.
- The ascension occurred 40 days after Easter Sunday.
- It completed Christ’s exaltation and transitioned authority to his followers.
- The meaning includes victory over evil, basis of hope, and human access to heaven.
- Traditions like worship, artwork, and reenactments have celebrated it since the 4th century.
- It remains significant for empowering the church through the Spirit.
- It reminds believers that Jesus reigns over all and will return one day.
As an important commemoration with both historical and spiritual meaning, Ascension Day merits continued observance and reflection within the Christian church today. It highlights essential truths about the completion of Christ’s work and the ongoing Christian call to lift our eyes to where he is seated in glory. Ascension Day offers perspective for living in service to him who conquered and now reigns over all.