The phrase “He ascended into heaven” from the Nicene Creed declares the triumphant culmination of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. It affirms that after his resurrection, Jesus returned to his Father in heaven, where he reigns in glory and intercedes for humanity.
Theological Background:
- Exaltation of Christ: The Ascension marks the exaltation of Jesus to the right hand of God the Father, signifying his supreme authority and power. It is the completion of his earthly mission and the beginning of his heavenly reign.
- Return to Glory: Jesus, who existed with the Father before all ages, returns to the glory he shared with him from the beginning. This highlights the continuity between his divine nature and his earthly ministry.
- Mediation and Intercession: Ascended to heaven, Jesus acts as mediator and intercessor between God and humanity. He pleads on our behalf and makes our prayers and sacrifices acceptable to God.
- Promise of the Holy Spirit: The Ascension is closely linked to the sending of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises to send the Spirit as his advocate and comforter, to empower and guide the Church.
Scriptural References:
- Mark 16:19: “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” This verse describes the Ascension and Jesus’ enthronement in heaven.
- Acts 1:9-11: This passage provides a detailed account of the Ascension, with Jesus being lifted up as his disciples watched. It also mentions the angels who assure the disciples of Jesus’ return.
- Romans 8:34: “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” This verse highlights Jesus’ role as intercessor in heaven.
Church Councils:
- Council of Nicaea (325 AD): The Nicene Creed includes the Ascension as an essential element of Christian belief, affirming the completion of Christ’s earthly work and his exaltation in heaven.
- Council of Constantinople (381 AD): This council expanded the Nicene Creed, further emphasizing the significance of the Ascension and its connection to the sending of the Holy Spirit.
Summary:
The line “He ascended into heaven” is a declaration of Jesus’ triumph and his return to glory. It signifies the completion of his earthly mission, his exaltation as Lord, and his ongoing role as mediator and intercessor. This teaching is grounded in Scripture, particularly the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, and has been affirmed by the Church throughout its history. It invites us to contemplate the majesty of Christ’s reign and to find hope in his ongoing presence and intercession for us in heaven.
Reflection
“He ascended into heaven.” These words, echoing through the centuries, lift our gaze beyond the earthly realm and beckon us to contemplate the majesty of Christ’s return to glory. More than just a historical event, the Ascension is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of love, victory, and promise, drawing us into a deeper intimacy with our Trinitarian God.
Imagine the scene: the risen Christ, bathed in radiant light, ascends into the clouds before the awestruck gaze of his disciples. He leaves the earthly realm, not in defeat, but in triumph, returning to the Father with his mission accomplished.
This ascent is a symphony of divine love. The Father, in joyful welcome, embraces his beloved Son, who has conquered sin and death. The Son, in loving obedience, returns to the glory he shared with the Father before time began. And the Holy Spirit, the bond of love between them, fills the disciples with power and anticipation.
As we reflect on the Ascension, we are invited to share in this divine dance of love. We are reminded that our true home is not here on earth, but in the loving embrace of the Trinity. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, setting our hearts on the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
The Ascension is not an ending, but a new beginning. It marks the inauguration of Christ’s reign as King of the universe, a reign of peace, justice, and love. It is a promise of our own future glory, when we will be united with Christ in the fullness of his kingdom.
But the Ascension also speaks of a present reality. Though physically absent, Christ remains with us through the Holy Spirit, his constant presence and power in our lives. The Spirit empowers us to live as Christ’s disciples, to be his witnesses in the world, and to build his kingdom here on earth.
Every moment becomes an opportunity to encounter the Trinity in a new way. In the beauty of creation, we glimpse the Father’s infinite glory, reflected in the vastness of the cosmos. In acts of love and service, we participate in the Son’s ongoing mission of compassion and redemption. In moments of quiet prayer and contemplation, we open ourselves to the Spirit’s gentle guidance, drawing us ever closer to the heart of God.
As we grow in intimacy with our Trinitarian God, our lives are transformed by the hope and promise of the Ascension. We live with an eternal perspective, seeking the things that are above, where Christ is seated in glory. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world, sharing his love and bringing his kingdom to fruition. This is the invitation of the Nicene Creed: to embrace the Ascension, to live in the light of Christ’s victory, and to journey towards our true home in the loving embrace of the Trinity.
Discussion Questions For Prayer and Reflection
- Personal Reflection: How does the image of Jesus ascending into heaven make you feel? What emotions or thoughts come to mind as you picture this event?
- Theological Understanding: How does the Ascension affirm the fullness of Jesus’ divinity and humanity? How does it deepen your understanding of the Trinity?
- Experiencing God’s Love: The passage describes the Ascension as a “symphony of divine love.” How have you experienced the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in your own life?
- Living with Eternal Perspective: In what ways does the Ascension challenge you to “set your hearts on things above”? How can you practically live with an eternal perspective in your daily life?
- Christ’s Reign in Your Life: How does recognizing Jesus as King of the universe impact your decisions and actions? How do you submit to His reign in your life?
- The Holy Spirit’s Role: How have you experienced the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? How does the Spirit help you live as Christ’s disciple?
- Encountering the Trinity: The passage suggests ways to encounter each person of the Trinity in daily life. How can you intentionally seek these encounters?
- Sharing Christ’s Love: How does the Ascension inspire you to share Christ’s love with others and participate in building His kingdom?
- Growing in Intimacy: What spiritual practices or disciplines help you grow in intimacy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
- Hope and Promise: How does the Ascension provide hope and promise in your life, especially during times of difficulty or uncertainty?
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post