Written by Gillian Fraser

Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus was taken up before the eyes of His disciples, and a cloud received Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9). It is a moment many believers acknowledge, but do not always consider deeply. Yet the ascension is no minor detail in the Gospel account. It is a mighty declaration that the risen Christ now reigns in glory. When Jesus ascended, He did not abandon His people. He entered His Heavenly ministry, took His place at the Father’s right hand, and continued His work on behalf of His Church. The ascension shows us who Christ is now, where He is now, and why that matters every day.

1. Christ is enthroned above every power
The ascension declares that Jesus is not only risen, but exalted. Scripture tells us that God raised Christ from the dead and seated Him “at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion” (Eph 1:20-21). This means Jesus reigns above every earthly ruler, every spiritual force, and every power of darkness. Nothing stands outside His authority.

The reigning King over all powers
The One who wore the crown of thorns now wears the crown of everlasting dominion. This is a deep comfort to all believers. The world may appear unstable, and evil may seem aggressive, but Christ is not struggling for the throne. He is already seated upon it. His ascension assures us that history is not drifting aimlessly. It is moving under the rule of the ascended King.

2. Christ opens the way to the throne of grace
The ascension also reveals Jesus as our great High Priest. Hebrews says, “We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God” (Heb 4:14). Because He has entered the Heavenly sanctuary, believers are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace. This is precious truth for every weary heart. Because Christ has ascended, the child of God does not approach Heaven as a stranger, but as one welcomed through the Son.

Access to God’s throne for mercy and grace
In every trial, temptation, sorrow, or need, there is mercy available and grace sufficient. The ascended Christ is not distant. He is actively interceding for His people. He knows weakness, He understands suffering, and He represents us before the Father with perfect compassion and complete righteousness.

3. Christ sends His Spirit to dwell with His people
Before the cross, Jesus told His disciples that His departure would be for their good, because the Holy Spirit would come (John 16:7). At first, that must have sounded difficult to understand. How could it be better for Jesus to go away? The answer is found in the glory of God’s plan. In His earthly ministry, Jesus was physically present in one place at a time. But through His ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit, His presence is now made known to believers everywhere.

An Advocate on earth whose presence is limitless
The Spirit of God does not merely visit the people of God. He dwells within them. He comforts, teaches, convicts, strengthens, and reminds us of the words of Christ. Because Jesus ascended, His followers are never left alone. The Spirit makes the presence of Christ real to His Church across nations, generations, and circumstances.

4. Christ supplies His Church with what it needs
The ascended Lord does not only reign from Heaven – He gives from Heaven. Scripture links Christ’s ascension with His gracious gifts to the Church (Eph 4:8-12). From His place of victory, He pours out what is needed for the strengthening of His people. He gives spiritual gifts. He appoints leaders. He builds up His Body in truth and unity. Everything required for the maturity of the Church flows from the hand of the ascended Christ.

The spoils of Christ’s victory
This reminds us that ministry is never sustained by human talent alone. The Church does not advance by personality, strategy, or effort apart from Him. Christ Himself provides what His people need so that they may grow in faith, stand in truth, and reflect His character in the world.

5. Christ’s ascension fixes our hope on His return
When Jesus was taken up, two angels told the disciples that He would come again in like manner (Acts 1:11). The ascension, therefore, does not only point upwards – it points forwards. The Christ who ascended in glory will return in glory.

Longing for His return
This gives the Church a holy expectancy. We do not serve a Saviour who has vanished into silence. We serve the living Lord who will come again to judge righteously, restore fully, and reign openly. His Kingdom is already real, but not yet revealed in all its fullness. One day every enemy will be put under His feet. One day faith will become sight. One day sorrow, death, and darkness will give way to the perfect rule of Christ. Until then, the ascension teaches us to live with lifted eyes. Our hope is not anchored in the stability of this world, but in the certainty of His promise.

This article is featured in the May 2026 issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za

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Date published: 14/05/2026
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.
Artwork adapted from www.freepik.com

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