Forty days after Jesus Christ rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven. The Biblical account says from Acts 1: 9-11 that and when he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.
What lessons do we learn from the ascension of Jesus Christ from earth to heaven?
Warning of Jesus second coming
Jesus’ ascension means he will return in due course. While the disciples were gazing up into heaven when Jesus was lifted up from the earth, the two angels said to the disciples in Acts 1: 9-11 men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. These statements are consistent with what Jesus said himself in John 14: 2-3 that he would return after he had prepared a place for us.
Jesus said also in Matthew 24: 29-32 say immediately after the tribulation …. Then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory … from the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.
This is the last event of Jesus’ return. Jesus said he would be crucified and it happened, Matthew 12:40; that he would rise on the third day and he rose, Mark 8: 31; that he would ascend to the father and he did ascend, Acts 1: 9-11; that he would send the Holy Spirit and he did, John 14: 26; Acts 2: 1-4.
The last is, he will come again and he will. John 17: 17 says sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. Romans 3: 4 says let God be true though every man be false. Numbers 23: 19 says God is not man, that he should lie. Are we ready for Jesus’ second coming? Revelation 22: 12 says behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay everyone for what he has done. Verse 20 says surely I am coming soon. Amen. Come Lord Jesus! Let us take Jesus at his word for it would surely happen.
Preparing to meet Jesus Christ
Although Jesus said in Matthew 24: 36 that no one knows the exact date of his return except the Father, he has however given enough pointers of the end time. We must therefore prepare for Jesus’ second coming. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 26: 41; Mark 14: 38 watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. Luke 21: 26 says watch at all times, praying that you have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man.
We must also be watchful in life. 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14 says be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Colossians 4: 2 says continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 1 Peter 5: 8-9 says be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. Revelation 2: 10 says be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
We must eagerly work for Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3: 14 says if the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. Colossians 3: 24 says knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ. Hebrews 10: 35 says therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward. 2 John 1:8 says look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward.
The day of Jesus’ second coming is unknown but 1 Thessalonians 5 : 2 says for you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Jesus said in John 20: 29 blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. Do we believe Jesus is coming back? Matthew 11: 15 says he who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13: 43 says the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father, he who has ears, let him hear. Do we have ears to hear?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, as you are lifted up to receive your crown or worthiness for dying for us to save our souls, we beseech you to continue to intercede for us before our Father in heaven. Grant us the grace to live aright. Give us a heart of obedience to submit to the Holy Spirit in truth. Make us alert as we await your second coming. Let us appropriate your blood in righteousness. In your holy name we pray, Amen!!
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