Introduction

The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the most important event of the entire history of Earth. Nothing before it, aside from creation, and nothing after it can compare to the crucifixion scene (Mt. 27:35ff; Mk. 15:24ff; Lk. 23:33ff; Jn. 19:18ff).

However, hot on its heels of events, the ascension of Jesus is just as important. This is where He returns to Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, The Father. And, from that day, He rules over His Kingdom.

In this article, we’re going to look at two passages and discuss some issues that arise when they are read. There are 3 verses that reference it, but in Luke 24:51, it simply says, Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.

Luke’s Account in Acts

The first time someone would read about the ascension would be in the book of Acts. This takes place just after the resurrection and His appearance to the apostles. Luke’s account is as follows, Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)

Prior to this, Jesus assured them that He would send the Holy Spirit to bring them into remembrance of all things. His work on earth was complete (Jn. 19:30) and He was returning to His Father (Jn. 14:1-3). Incidentally, the same eleven who heard his oration after the Passover in John 14-17 are the same here. Judas Iscariot had already left to betray Him before He began speaking.

They were completely transfixed on His departure as they had never seen just a spectacle. This is the reason for the two men in white apparel (angels) to tell them, in verse 11, that Jesus will return in like manner but now it’s time for you to get to work. This is a paraphrase of course, but it’s to bring them back into the present and prepare themselves for what’s to take place. They still needed to choose a replacement for Judas.

The Prophet’s Account in Daniel

Going back into the Old Testament, we see the same scene given to us, in a vision, by the prophet Daniel who writes, “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)

Some would argue that this is not the same scene but, rather, the return of Jesus to Earth to set up His earthly kingdom. The phrase, coming with the clouds of heaven is what trips people up. Since the men in white assured the eleven that Jesus would return in the same manner, some draw the conclusion that Daniel’s vision is that of His return.

One Event, Two Points of View

Contrary to what Premillennialists, and others say, about Daniel 7, it is the ascension. The difference is that it’s from a different viewpoint compared to Acts 1.

In Acts 1, we are on the ground, that is, Earth and watching Jesus ascended into heaven. No one will deny that we can plainly read what the scriptures say.

In Daniel 7, we are looking at the same scene from heaven, where God is seated, and we see Jesus’ arrival. We know this as it states, in the latter half of verse 13, that He came to the Ancient of Days. That phrase is referring to God, The Father. It’s like standing on the moon and seeing someone coming up from Earth.

So, if Jesus is coming to The Father (not leaving), then He is arriving back in Heaven. If it were to mean His Second Coming, then we are to conclude that God, The Father is here on Earth waiting for His Son. Even the Premillennialists wouldn’t admit that I’m sure. You see, they stop at “coming with the clouds” and not read the rest; came to the Ancient of Days.

Therefore, verse 14 shows that God, The Father gave Jesus: glory, dominion, and a kingdom which He is, and has been, ruling over since He ascended back into heaven. This then refutes the idea of an earthly kingdom that some are still looking for today.

Conclusion

When a student of the bible actually takes the time to read what the scriptures say, rather than come to it with a pre-conceived notion, it is understandable to know what God is sharing with us.

If we can draw that conclusion that Isaiah 53 is telling of the crucifixion scene and compare it to the gospels, we can do the same with other prophetic works and not draw conclusions that aren’t really there.

If you need help in your studies, or are just starting out, feel free to leave a comment below.