Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/77

Contributor - Rev. Wallace Stoepker

Title - Why Christ Ascended

Topic - Ascension

In the upper room Jesus startled his disciples with the statement that he was going to leave them.

"A little while and you will see me no more." They were perplexed by what he meant. Would Jesus desert them when they had left all to follow Him? If He left, would the enemies of Jesus harm them? Emotions of fear and sorrow filled their hearts. This announcement was given in the upper room on the night before the Master was to be crucified.

The reference to His leaving was not merely to His death on the cross but particularly to the ascension experience when the Lord Christ would be permanently removed from them as far as His physical presence.

Christ expressed his sympathy to his close companions and showed his perception when he spoke, "Sorrow has filled your hearts", but He quickly interjected, "It is for your advantage that I go away." It was difficult to realize it then, but what they were being told was that there would be more advantages in his absence. Let us learn what promises would be fulfiller in His absence and discover their application for us.

SO THE COMFORTER COULD COME (John 16: 7)

"If I do not go away, the Comforter will not come." The reference here is of course a reference to the Holy Spirit. The. Savior's mention of the coming of the Spirit does not imply that the Comforter was not present in the world before, but is an assurance that the Spirit. will be more active. He would be given to the believers in greater measure.

The activity of the Holy Spirit among them would help to bring to their memory what Christ had said, and guide their testimony under trial. The Spirit would guide them into the truth, that is supernatural revelation would be given to them. It is still the work of the Spirit to give illumination and help us understand and apply the Scriptures. The Spirit's help would bring people under conviction of sin so that they would believe in Christ and be converted. Certainly, then, the greater presence of the Spirit was indispensable. Christ ascended so that the Spirit might descend at Pentecost and fill the Lord's followers with power.

SO THAT HE MIGHT PREPARE A PLACE (John 14:2-3).

Christ's leaving and ascension was necessary so that Jesus might ,go to prepare a place" for us. Earth was not to be the permanent dwelling of our King, nor did the Lord intend that it be the only place of existence for his children. When Christ's work on earth was done he would arise to the heavenly place to begin a new activity, that of making ready an eternal home for his own. What promise could be of greater assurance and comfort.

How could we ask Christ to remain here when he was to fulfil his assigned mission of making heaven ready for the redeemed? The Lord does not attempt here to give us a picture description of what our future home will be like. We must accept his promise on faith. Indeed, no human adjectives could begin to describe what "eye has not seen, nor ear heard". But, it shall be a place where we shall rest from all anxiety and be free from all problems.

SO THAT HE COULD COME AGAIN (John 14:3; 16:16)

Christ must ascend to heaven so that he might come again in glory to receive his own and take them to the place he prepared. "Again, a little while and you will see me," puzzled the apostles gathered that memorable evening with the Son of God. They questioned among themselves and inquired of Jesus what he meant, Now, as we piece all portions of Scripture together that refer to the return of Christ we learn that he will come personally, visibly and victoriously to the earth once more. Since the dead will be resurrected at that moment, "every eye shall see him".

The first visit of Christ to the earth was to redeem his own, to fulfill the atonement on the cross. The second time he comes will be to receive his own, to take them with him to the glory of heaven eternally. Christ arose from the dead that we might also arise. He ascended so that we might also ascend from this temporary earthly dwelling to the place from which he came, called heaven. We praise God for the benefits of our Lord's ascension, for we who trust in Christ's redemption shall all share in them.

Please click the "Back" button of your browser to return to previous page.