He Ascended
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Today's online Scripture jigsaw
From the Confessions: The Apostles Creed
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
Pulling It Together: Christ was not raised from the dead and ascended to the Father so that he would simply escape from death and this earth. He rose and ascended so that we could join him. If we have died with Christ through faith in him, we too will not only be raised from the dead but will ascend to the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
We need not be concerned over our future. It is secure in Christ, so we are freed and empowered to live the risen and ascended life now. We already walk in newness of life and we should already be living the ascended life as well. William Temple said, “If we are traveling heavenward, we are already in heaven.” Prayer and worship are part of walking in a heavenly manner. Christianity is more than looking forward to eternal life; we must also make the most of this life for Christ's sake.
Christ died and rose and ascended so that we would live such lives as bring him glory and honor. Then, after this earthly life is over, we will see what glory truly is, for we will see him at the right hand of the Father. We will look upon him face-to-face and share his glory (Romans 8:17). All this Christ accomplished when he ascended to his Father's right hand.
Prayer: We long to see you in glory, Lord, even so, help us live gloriously now. Amen.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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