The Ascension

What Is the Ascension?

The Ascension is the event in which Jesus Christ, forty days after His Resurrection, ascended into Heaven in the presence of His disciples.

Having completed His earthly mission, Christ returned to the Father and entered into His heavenly glory.

The Ascension marks the end of Jesus’ visible earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign.

“And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God.” — Mark 16:19

Why Did Jesus Ascend?

Jesus did not ascend because He was abandoning His followers.

He ascended to complete His earthly mission, open Heaven to humanity, and prepare a place for those who follow Him.

Through the Ascension, Christ brings our human nature into heavenly glory.

Seated at the Right Hand of the Father

Christians profess that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father.

This does not mean God occupies a physical throne beside another throne.

Rather, it means Christ shares fully in the Father’s divine authority, power, and glory.

Jesus reigns forever as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Christ Our High Priest

The Ascended Christ continually intercedes for His people before the Father.

As our High Priest, Jesus presents His once-for-all sacrifice on our behalf.

Because He entered Heaven, believers can confidently approach God through Him.

The Promise of the Holy Ghost

Before ascending, Jesus promised to send the Holy Ghost upon His disciples.

This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost.

The Ascension prepares the way for the coming of the Holy Ghost and the mission of the Church.

The Ascension and Heaven

Through the Ascension, Jesus opens Heaven to humanity.

Where Christ has gone, His faithful followers hope to follow.

The Ascension reminds Christians that their true homeland is ultimately with God.

The Ascension and the Church’s Mission

Before ascending, Jesus entrusted His disciples with the mission of preaching the Gospel.

The Church continues this mission today by proclaiming Christ to the world.

Every Christian is called to participate in sharing the Good News.

“Going therefore, teach ye all nations.” — Matthew 28:19

The Ascension and the Second Coming

The Ascension points forward to Christ’s return in glory.

The same Jesus who ascended into Heaven will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Christians therefore live with hope, awaiting the fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

“This Jesus… shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven.” — Acts 1:11

Common Misunderstandings

Jesus Did Not Disappear Forever

Christ remains present to His Church, especially through the Eucharist, the sacraments, Scripture, and prayer.

The Ascension Is Not Separation From Humanity

Jesus remains fully human and fully divine. He continues to intercede for us in Heaven.

Heaven Is More Than a Physical Location

Heaven is the fullness of life and communion with God. The Ascension signifies Christ entering that glory as the risen Lord.

The Ascension Leads to Mission

Christ’s departure entrusted the Church with the mission of evangelization.

Why the Ascension Matters

The Ascension reveals that Jesus reigns as Lord.

It gives believers confidence that Christ intercedes for them and prepares a place for them.

It also reminds Christians that earthly life is not the final destination.

Key Truths About the Ascension

• Jesus ascended into Heaven forty days after His Resurrection.
• Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father.
• The Ascension completes Christ’s earthly ministry.
• Jesus intercedes for His people as High Priest.
• The Ascension prepares for the coming of the Holy Ghost.
• Christ opened Heaven to humanity.
• The Church continues Christ’s mission on earth.
• Jesus will come again in glory.

What Does This Mean For Me?

The Ascension reminds us that Jesus reigns even now.

He has not abandoned His people but continues to guide, strengthen, and intercede for them.

Because Christ has entered Heaven, Christians can live with confidence, hope, and the promise of eternal life.

Explore Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ Section Complete

You have completed the core teachings about Jesus Christ: His identity, Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension.

The next major topic is: The Holy Spirit