On first reading, it seems like just a simple statement in a story. We know that the sentence reveals an event that is important, but the real significance of the words is not readily apparent.
“And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9; NASB)
If we’re not careful, we can read those words like we might read about the departure of a loved one at the airport. But there is something more — much more — happening behind these verses. And Acts 2 gives us more insight into that reality.
While Acts 1 tells us merely that Christ went through the clouds, chapter 2 is more specific about the destination of Christ and the significance of His departure.
First of all, Christ went totheexalted position at the right hand of the Father. That Christ is seated is a physical indication of the completeness of His activity (Heb. 1:3). And it is from this position that Christ rules all things (Eph. 1:20), intercedes to the Father on behalf of believers (Rom. 8:34), and fulfills His ministry as the Great High Priest (Heb. 8:1; 10:11-12). If there is no ascension, then there is no seat for Christ at the right hand of the Father and no fulfillment of these roles.
Additionally, having ascended to the Father, He also sent the Spirit (2:33). He promised this to the disciples (e.g., Jn. 16:7ff) and told them that it was to their advantage that He leave and send the Spirit. It is through this Spirit that the believer is indwelt by God and knows the power of the Spirit to stand against sin and bear the fruit of righteousness. And this Spirit also gives His gifts to individuals so they can serve God in Christ’s body. Again, without the ascension, there is no provision of the Spirit, and no gifting, indwelling, or fruit.
And from heaven, Christ also rules as the fulfillment of the Messianic promise of Ps. 110:1. Not only is no one else sovereign, but every nation and every individual that rebels against Christ merely serves as a footstool for Christ. He places His feet on them and they are in every way in subjection to Him.
And finally, because Christ has ascended to heaven, the believer is also assured of His return. Jesus promised the disciples that He would depart and then return (Jn. 14:1-6) and His departure is the first part of that process. Yes, He has left, but He will return. And the words from the angels, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11; NASB), serve as a reminder that while He has departed, the leaving is temporary and the return is certain. And it is important to note that this statement fully satisfied the disciples so that they left and immediately set about the task of fulfilling the commission of Christ (Acts 1:8).
Yes, the words of Christ’s ascension are simple, but they are also profound, as R. C. Sproul has noted:
“if there had been no Ascension, there would not have been a fitting exaltation of Christ. He would have failed to receive the promised glorification by the Father. Without the Ascension, there would be no Pentecost and no Second Coming.” [The Glory of Christ]
Words of Grace 