“When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven.” — Luke 24:50–51 (BSB)
“God raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion… And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church.” — Ephesians 1:20–22 (BSB)
“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” — Hebrews 7:25 (BSB)
The ascension affirms Christ’s victory and sovereignty. It fulfills prophecy, confirms His divine authority, and assures us that heaven is open to all who trust in Him. As He ascended, He carried our humanity into the presence of God, securing our place in His kingdom and sending His Spirit to dwell in us.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “The Ascension is not Jesus leaving—it is Jesus reigning. It reminds us that our Lord is not absent, but enthroned. He is ruling history for the sake of His Church.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “At Ascension, we celebrate that Christ is King. The cross was not defeat—it was enthronement. The risen Jesus now reigns over all powers, and He is with us still by His Spirit.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer celebrates Ascension Day with a collect that prays: “O God… who hast exalted thine only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto thy kingdom in heaven; we beseech thee… that we may also in heart and mind thither ascend.”
J.C. Ryle reminds us, “Christ’s ascension is no minor doctrine. It is the crowning act of His earthly ministry and the guarantee of our future glory. He has gone before us to prepare a place—and He will return.” (Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, 1856)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “The Ascension reminds us that Jesus is not just risen—He is reigning. He is not only Savior—He is Lord. The Church lives and prays and preaches from this glorious reality.”
Ascension Day glorifies Christ by declaring His exaltation, His kingship, and His ongoing ministry as our High Priest and Advocate. It lifts our hearts to heaven and anchors our hope in the One who reigns forever.
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “He ascended with our nature, not to leave us behind, but to open the way. The Head has gone before; the members will surely follow.” — Homilies on Ephesians, 4.1
St. Leo the Great (c. 400–461 AD): “The Ascension of Christ is our uplifting. Where the Head has gone, the body is called to follow. In Him we are already raised.” — Sermon 73, On the Ascension
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD): “By ascending, Christ did not abandon us. Rather, He exalted our humanity, gave gifts to the Church, and promised to return.” — Homilies on the Gospels, 29
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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