📖 Biblical Definition
The Christian observance forty days after Easter commemorating Christ's bodily ascension from the Mount of Olives to the Father's right hand. Acts 1:9-11 narrates the event: And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight... this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. The ascension is theologically inseparable from the resurrection, completing the work begun on Easter: the risen Christ does not remain on earth indefinitely but ascends to His enthronement at the Father's right hand. Hebrews 1:3 anchors the doctrine: when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Christ's priestly intercession (Heb 7:25; Rom 8:34), His present rule as exalted Mediator-King (Phil 2:9-11; Eph 1:20-22), and the sending of the Spirit at Pentecost (John 16:7) all depend on the ascension. The Christian who skips ascension in his calendar loses the doctrinal bridge between Easter and Pentecost.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Forty days after Easter; Christ's bodily ascension.
expand to see more
The Christian observance forty days after Easter commemorating Christ's bodily ascension from the Mount of Olives to the Father's right hand, fulfilling the prediction 'I go to my Father'; observed as a major day in Eastern and Western liturgical traditions but largely forgotten in evangelicalism.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 1:9-11 — "When he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight... this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner."
Luke 24:51 — "And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."
Ephesians 4:8-10 — "When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Forgotten in much of evangelicalism; Ascension Day deserves equal weight with Easter and Pentecost.
expand to see more
Without Ascension, Easter's Christ is wandering. Ascension is the enthronement; the throne; the Father's seat at His right hand; the intercession that secures our prayers. Recover Ascension Day; tell the church the King is enthroned.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Latin ascensio — going up.
expand to see more
['Latin', '—', 'ascensio', 'going up']
['Greek', 'G305', 'anabainō', 'to ascend']
Usage
"Recover Ascension Day."
"Christ enthroned at the Father's right hand."