The Ascension of Jesus Christ
Last updated: 2026-04-13
The ascension is the historic event where Jesus Christ, in his resurrected human body, visibly departed from earth and entered into heaven to be seated at the right hand of God. This exaltation marks the completion of his redemptive work on earth, where he now serves as our mediator, head of the church, and king until his return to judge the world.
☁️ A Visible Return to Glory
The ascension of our Lord is not merely a symbolic transition but a literal, physical departure. After spending forty days appearing to his disciples and teaching them of the kingdom of God, Jesus was taken up into heaven in the sight of his disciples, and a cloud received him out of their sight. As the angels promised, he was received up into heaven and shall return in like manner (Acts 1:9-11). We confess, as reflected in the 39 Articles of Religion Article IV, that he took again his body, with flesh and bones, into heaven, where he now dwells as our representative.
Sources: Acts 1:9-11 · 39 Articles of Religion Article IV
👑 Our Great High Priest
Jesus did not ascend simply to leave us, but to act on our behalf. In our nature, as our head, he went into the highest heavens to receive gifts for men and to prepare a place for us (Westminster Larger Catechism Q.53). He is now seated at the right hand of the Father, where he makes constant intercession for his people (WCF Ch.8 §4). Because you are more loved in Christ than you dared hope, you can rest in the knowledge that he continues there for our interest, governing all things as the head of his church until the end of the world (Heidelberg Catechism Q.50).
Sources: Westminster Larger Catechism Q.53 · WCF Ch.8 §4 · Heidelberg Catechism Q.50
Jesus ascended to heaven to be glorified in his human nature as the head of the church, where he now acts as our mediator, intercessor, and sovereign King. He remains there for our sake, preparing a place for us and governing the world until he returns in glory.
👑 A Mediator in Human Nature
The ascension is not a retreat from the world but a triumph. As our head, Christ ascended in our human nature to receive gifts for his people and to continue his work as our advocate. The Westminster Larger Catechism Q.53 explains that Christ went up into the highest heavens, 'in our nature, and as our head,' specifically to represent us before the Father. He is not distant from our plight; rather, he intercedes for us, ensuring that our affections are raised toward him, the place where he now dwells. We find comfort in the promise of Acts 1:11, that this same Jesus who ascended will return in like manner, securing the future for all who are united to him by faith.
Sources: Acts 1:11 · Westminster Larger Catechism Q.53
⚖️ Ruling for the Church
Christ's presence at the right hand of God is an active, governing role. According to Heidelberg Catechism Q.50, he sits there to appear as the 'head of his church, by whom the Father governs all things.' His ascension means that our salvation is secure, as we have a King who manages the universe for the benefit of his redeemed. As noted in Heidelberg Catechism Q.46, he continues his work specifically 'for our interest' until the final judgment. Because you are more accepted in Christ than you could ever hope, you can rest knowing your High Priest is currently managing the affairs of the cosmos with your salvation as his primary concern.
Sources: Heidelberg Catechism Q.50 · Heidelberg Catechism Q.46
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