Your ShelfYour Projects

A Triumphant Ascension

17%

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 30, 1915

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 48.

Read the full edition

A Triumphant Ascension

By H. A. ST. JOHN

Seven Great Triumphs—No. 5

A Triumphant Ascension

H. A. ST. JOHN
We have already considered the beginning of the ascension of Christ. The starting point was the Mount of Olives, on the Bethany side. A vast company of holy angels came from heaven to receive him, and to escort him on his way to the Father's throne. The saints that rose from the dead when Jesus did, no doubt met him in the air, and accompanied him on his way to heaven, and were presented by Jesus to his Father as the antitype of the wave sheaf and the firstfruits, a sample of the great harvest to be gathered when Jesus comes again. Two angels from the many that came to receive Jesus, lingered behind for a short space, to deliver to the disciples the cheerful message: “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 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 disciples returned to Jerusalem filled with exceeding great joy. It is needless to say that Jesus made a safe and happy journey to heaven, and was honored and exalted above every other creature, being seated with his Father on his Father's throne. And all heaven worshiped him.
As soon as the saints receive their triumphant change, by the voice of Christ, they will hear the same sweet voice addressed to the angels, “Gather my saints together unto me.” By the holy angels they are all caught up to meet Jesus in the air. And O, what a happy meeting that will be! Loved ones long parted will meet in that day, and so shall they ever be with the Lord. Jesus will then look upon all the travail of his soul, and will be satisfied. And who can conceive the full, perfect, and eternal satisfaction of the redeemed host, in that blessed hour? Jesus has then fulfilled his promise to come again, to receive his people unto himself, and to permit them to follow him to the place he went to prepare for them. Now the glorious journey begins from this earth to the mansions above. The living chariots say Holy, all the angels say Holy, the redeemed host cry Holy, Holy, as upward they move. The city of jasper walls comes to view, and the redeemed pass with their Redeemer into the city of God. Will not that be a triumphant ascension?