p. 205 | An Objection Noticed by J. M. A.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 28, 1865

An Objection Noticed.

By J. M. A.

Bro. Z——. M——, wishes some one to show through the Review, how Luke xxiv, 50, 51, may be reconciled with Acts i, 3. He informs us that some "rank Spiritualists" have questioned with him the veracity of the Scriptures, on the ground that Luke contradicts himself in the foregoing texts. The position taken by these railers against God and the Bible, is, that according to the former text, Luke conveys the idea that Christ was taken up to Heaven on the day of his resurrection; but as the same writer asserts in the latter text that he was seen by his apostles forty days after his passion, therefore Luke contradicts in one place what he says in another, and consequently the Bible is a book of fables.

From the fact that Luke in his gospel, gives a brief account of Christ's ascension, in connection with, or immediately after, stating the events of the resurrection day, it is assumed that he mentions the ascension of Christ as one of the events of that day. There is no ground for such assumption.

After stating the events of the resurrection day, Luke briefly mentions the injunction of our Saviour to his chosen few, to tarry in Jerusalem till they should be endowed with power from on high; then states the fact that Christ led them out to Bethany, blessed them, and while in this act "was parted from them and carried up into Heaven;" but says nothing in regard to the time when this event occurred. Therefore, when Luke takes up his pen again, and states as in Acts i, 3, that Christ was seen of his apostles forty days after his passion, and then proceeds to narrate more particularly the events connected with his ascension, repeating again the same injunction to tarry at Jerusalem, we have no right nor reason to infer, that Luke in his gospel expressed, or intended to express anything differently in regard to the time of the event in question.

It seems eminently fitting and proper, in writing the gospel of Christ, to mention the fact of his ascension; and Luke, in closing up his gospel, very appropriately mentions this closing scene of Christ's eventful life on the earth. Then when he writes the Acts, he commences where he left off in his gospel; and does not forget to mention the fact that the former treatise contained a synopsis of what Jesus had done and taught "until the day in which he was taken up."

Certainly no contradiction, Bro. Z——. M——, nor chance to misunderstand the language of the sacred historian. If the great enemy of all truth cannot furnish his dupes with objections more weighty than what is here presented, rest assured that the Bible will stand the test. Continue, then, to regard the Bible, as you say you have done, "a common sense book."

But let us now lightly touch another note in the tune already given out. Whilst it is true that Luke has said nothing, either by word or inference, concerning the ascension of Christ on the day of his resurrection, I think there is evidence to show, nevertheless, that he did actually ascend to Heaven on that day, and consequently must have returned again the same day, to meet with his disciples as the sacred record informs us. Hear the words of Jesus to the weeping Mary, as she stood by his empty sepulcher on the morning of that memorable day, when doubtless in the midst of her joy and astonishment she was about to embrace him: "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say unto them,

I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to my God and your God." To this significant language of Christ himself, I wish to add a testimony from a valuable work published by Seventh-day Adventists, which, however, I am aware will be rejected by those who reject and despise the spirit of prophecy in these days. The testimony, however, should be received with weight, as it is well backed up by the authority of Christ. "Jesus quickly ascended up to his Father to hear from his lips that he accepted the sacrifice, and that he had done all things well, and to receive power in Heaven, and upon earth, from his Father. Angels like a cloud surrounded the Son of God, and bid the everlasting gates be lifted up, that the King of Glory might come in. I saw that while Jesus was with that bright, heavenly host, and in the presence of his Father, and the excellent glory of God surrounded him, he did not forget his poor disciples upon earth; but received power from his Father, that he might return unto them, and while with them impart power unto them. The same day he returned, and showed himself to his disciples. He suffered them then to touch him, for he had ascended to his Father, and had received power."

J. M. A.