THE NECESSITY OF THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST

Bob Myhan

Introduction: [Read Acts 1:9-11] Why did Jesus ascend back to heaven after the resurrection, instead of continuing on the earth, making personal appearances so that more people might believe on Him? He had at least four reasons for doing so. He ascended back to heaven:

I.     THAT HE MIGHT SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT (John 16:7)

A.    To be "in" the apostles (John 14:16,17).

B.    To teach the apostles all things, and bring to their remembrance the things which Jesus had said unto them (John 14:26). 

C.   To testify of Jesus, and to enable the apostles to do the same (John 15:26,27).

D.   To confirm the words of the apostles (Mark 16:19,20; Hebrews 2:1-4).

E.    To reprove the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8-10).

II.    THAT HE MIGHT BECOME HIGH PRIEST (Hebrews 8:1-4).

A.    To finish the atonement (Exodus 30:10; Romans 5:11; Hebrews 9:6-12).

B.    To make continuous intercession (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:11-25).

III.   THAT HE MIGHT RECEIVE DOMINION (Daniel 7:13,14).

A.    To be a king over a spiritual kingdom (John 18:36,37).

B.    To be a priest upon His throne (Zechariah 6:12,13).

C.   To reign until all enemies are put under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:22-26).

IV.   THAT HE MIGHT PREPARE US A HOME (John 14:1,2)

A.    To give us a continuing city (Hebrews 13:12-14).

B.    To give us a city, which has foundations (Hebrews 11:9-16).

C.   That our citizenship might be in heaven (Philippians 3:20,21).

Conclusion: Why was it necessary for Jesus to ascend back to heaven? That He might send the Holy Spirit, become High Priest, receive dominion, and prepare us a home.