Summary (NotebookLM)
This section of the commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism explores the significance of Christ's ascension into heaven. It discusses several aspects of the ascension, including the location, manner, and purpose of Christ's ascent. The commentary refutes various objections to the literal ascension of Christ, particularly those made by Ubiquitarians who believed Christ's body was present everywhere. It emphasizes the importance of Christ's ascension for our own salvation, highlighting the benefits of his intercession, our assurance of glorification, and the sending of the Holy Spirit. The commentary ultimately aims to clarify the significance of Christ's ascension for both his glory and our own.
Chapter Contents: A Deeper Look at Christ's Ascension
I. Understanding the Ascension (Question 46)
A. Defining "He Ascended into Heaven": This section defines Christ's ascension as a visible, physical movement of his body and soul from Earth to the highest Heaven, where he remains and will return from to judge the living and the dead.
B. Historical Points of the Ascension: This section explores the key historical details of the ascension, including who ascended, how, where, when, why, and by what means.
II. Deep Dive into the Ascension (Exposition on Question 46)
A. The Destination of Christ’s Ascension: This section examines the various meanings of "heaven" in Scripture, ultimately concluding that Christ ascended to the Heaven which is the abode of God and the blessed. It explores scriptural support for this understanding and emphasizes its importance for understanding Christ's continued humanity, directing our worship, and knowing our eternal home.
B. The Manner of Christ's Ascension: This section delves into the nature of Christ's ascension, asserting that it was a local and bodily event. It provides scriptural evidence supporting this view and refutes objections raised by Ubiquitarians (those who believe Christ's body is everywhere) who argue against a local ascension.
C. The Purpose of Christ's Ascension: This section outlines the reasons for Christ's ascension, both for his own glory and for our benefit. It highlights his roles as intercessor, preparer of our heavenly home, and sender of the Holy Spirit. It also addresses objections regarding Christ's earthly intercession and the pre-ascension giving of the Holy Spirit.
D. Comparison of Christ’s and Our Ascension: This section compares and contrasts Christ’s ascension with the future ascension of believers. It notes similarities (destination and glory) and differences (power source, purpose, and completeness).
III. Christ's Continued Presence (Question 47)
A. Addressing the Ubiquitarian Objection: This section tackles the Ubiquitarian argument that Christ's promise to be with us always contradicts a local ascension. It responds by distinguishing between Christ's human and divine natures, emphasizing that his divine nature allows him to be omnipresent while his human nature remains in heaven.
B. The Nature of Christ’s Presence: This section clarifies how Christ is present with us, namely through his Spirit, Godhead, our faith, mutual love, union with his human nature, and the hope of our future glorification.
IV. The Inseparable Union (Question 48)
A. Addressing the Ubiquitarian Argument for Co-location of Natures: This section refutes the Ubiquitarian argument that the inseparable union of Christ’s two natures necessitates his humanity being wherever his divinity is. It highlights the distinct properties of each nature and the implications for their location.
B. Addressing Ubiquitarian Objections to the Distinctness of Natures: This section responds to various Ubiquitarian objections regarding the separation of natures, the differences between Christ and the saints, and the exaltation of Christ. It criticizes the Ubiquitarian position as leading to the errors of Nestorius and Eutyches and weakening arguments against Arian and Sabellian heresies.
V. Benefits of the Ascension (Question 49)
A. Key Benefits: This section details the three primary benefits we receive from Christ’s ascension: 1) Christ’s advocacy and intercession before the Father, 2) our flesh in heaven as a guarantee of our future glorification, and 3) the sending of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live heavenly-minded lives.
VI. Further Fruits of the Ascension (Exposition on Question 49)
A. Primary Fruits: This section expands on the three key benefits listed above, providing further explanation and refuting objections. It addresses the nature of Christ’s intercession, the dependence of our glorification on his, and the connection between his ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
B. Additional Fruits: This section identifies and briefly explains several other benefits derived from Christ’s ascension, including proof of the remission of sins, Christ’s victory over death, sin, and the devil, the assurance of continual comfort, and Christ’s perpetual defense of his people.
C. Believing in Christ’s Ascension: This concluding section summarizes the meaning of believing in Christ’s ascension, affirming both its historical reality and its personal implications for believers. It emphasizes that Christ ascended for our benefit and continues to work on our behalf, guaranteeing our future union with him in glory.
What is the theological significance of Christ's ascension into heaven?
Christ's ascension into heaven is a real event that took place 40 days after His resurrection. His disciples witnessed Him being taken up into the clouds until He was out of sight.
The term "heaven" used in the context of Christ's ascension refers to the abode of God and the blessed, a place beyond the visible heavens. This is distinct from the sky or the celestial spheres.
Christ ascended to heaven in His human nature, not His divine nature. His divine nature was already in heaven.
Christ's ascension is significant for both Himself and believers. It is a testament to His victory over death, sin, and the devil.
For Christ:
It was fitting for Him, as Head of the Church, to be in heaven, His rightful kingdom.
He ascended to be glorified with an excellence and superiority of gifts above all His followers.
For believers:
Christ now intercedes for believers in heaven before God the Father. He intercedes:
By the value of His sacrifice on the cross
By His own will that the Father would accept believers
By the consent of the Father, who approves Christ's sacrifice
Christ's ascension guarantees the future ascension of believers into heaven. He has gone to prepare a place for them, and will return to take them there.
Christ sent the Holy Spirit from heaven after His ascension. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to seek heavenly things and comforts and defends the Church.
Christ's ascension proves that sins are forgiven for those who believe in Him.
It is an assurance that believers will never be without comfort and that Christ will always defend them.
The significance of Christ's ascension is summarized in this statement: "I believe, first, that he did truly, and not merely in show, ascend into heaven, and is now there, and will be called upon at the right hand of God, until he shall come from thence to judge the world. And, secondly, that he has ascended for my sake and your sake, and now appears in the presence of God, makes intercession for us, sends us the Holy Spirit, and will at length take us to himself, that we may be with him where he is, and reign with him in glory."
The sources also address and refute arguments against the local and bodily ascension of Christ, particularly from those who believe in the ubiquity (omnipresence) of Christ's human body.
The sources argue that the human nature of Christ is finite and cannot be everywhere, while His divine nature is infinite and omnipresent.
They emphasize that Christ ascended to a real place beyond the visible heavens, even though the nature of that place may be beyond human comprehension.
The theological significance of Christ's ascension is profound, shaping the understanding of salvation, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the future hope of believers. It highlights Christ's victory, His ongoing work on behalf of His people, and the ultimate reunion of believers with Him in glory.
How does the ascension of Christ differ from the ascension of believers?
Christ ascended by his own power, while believers will ascend by the power of Christ. Christ ascended into heaven through the power of his Godhead, but believers will ascend because Christ makes it possible.
Christ ascended to be head over the church, while believers will ascend to be members of the church. Christ is the head of the church, and believers are the members. Christ ascended to take his rightful place as head, and believers will ascend to join him in that place.
Christ's ascension is the cause of believers' ascension, but not the contrary. Christ's ascension is what makes it possible for believers to ascend. If Christ had not ascended, believers would not be able to.
Whole Christ ascended, but not the whole of Christ, because his divine nature is also on Earth. Believers will ascend whole. Christ ascended in his human nature, but his divine nature is present everywhere, including Earth. Believers, on the other hand, will ascend in both body and soul.
The source makes it clear that the ascension of Christ is a unique event that differs in significant ways from the ascension of believers. However, both are ultimately made possible by the power and grace of God.
What are the benefits that Christians receive as a result of Christ's ascension?
Christ intercedes with God the Father on behalf of Christians. This continual intercession is based on Christ's sacrifice, which was offered on behalf of Christians. Through his intercession, Christ applies the benefits of his death to those who believe in him.
Christians have the assurance that they will also ascend to heaven because Christ ascended. Christians will ascend because Christ is the head and Christians are the members of his body.
Christians receive the Holy Spirit, who gathers, comforts, and defends the Church. Although the Holy Spirit was given under the Old Testament law, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that took place on Pentecost occurred as a result of Christ's ascension.
Christians have proof that their sins have been forgiven because Christ ascended to the throne of God. Sin brings death, so Christ could not have ascended to the throne of God without first taking the punishment for the sins of believers.
Christians have proof that Christ conquered death, sin, and the devil.
Christians will never be without comfort because Christ sent the Holy Spirit.
Christians can be assured that Christ will always defend them.