“He exerted this power in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority… and appointed Him head over everything for the Church.” — Ephesians 1:20–22 (BSB)
“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the One who died, and more than that, was raised to life, and is now at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.” — Romans 8:34 (BSB)
“In My Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.” — John 14:2–3 (BSB)
“Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.” — Hebrews 4:14 (BSB)
As Article IV of the Thirty-Nine Articles states: “Christ did truly rise again from death, and took again His body… with which He ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until He return to judge all men at the last day.”
In ascending, Jesus entered heaven as our forerunner. He is not absent but present in power, and He carries our humanity into the presence of God. His glorified body in heaven is the firstfruits of our own resurrection. As Head of the Church, He sends the Holy Spirit, intercedes for us, and rules all things for the good of His people (Ephesians 1:22; Romans 8:34).
Bishop J.C. Ryle emphasized: “The ascension of Christ is a truth full of consolation. He has gone to the Father to plead for us, to represent us, to prepare for us, and to assure us that where He is, we shall be also.”
Contemporary Anglican theologian Dr. Michael Horton writes: “The ascension reminds us that Jesus is not merely a memory or an idea—He is alive, exalted, and active as our Prophet, Priest, and King.”
The ascension also teaches us to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1). Our citizenship is in heaven, where Christ is. His throne is the throne of grace, and we may approach it with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). Knowing that Jesus is enthroned brings confidence in prayer, courage in suffering, and hope in death.
Augustine taught that Christ’s bodily ascension guarantees our own glorification.
St. John Chrysostom (c. 349–407 AD): “Christ ascended not to abandon us but to prepare the way for us. He intercedes above that the Spirit might be poured out below.” — Homily on Acts 1
Chrysostom saw the ascension as the hinge of Christ’s heavenly ministry and the sending of the Spirit.
St. Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376–444 AD): “Our Lord Jesus Christ has now passed into the heavens, as the first of our race, that He might appear for us before the Father.” — Commentary on John, 14:2
Cyril highlights Jesus’ role as High Priest and Forerunner.
St. Leo the Great (c. 400–461 AD): “Christ’s ascension is our elevation. The glory of the Head is the hope of the Body.” — Sermon 73
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.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
