Often the gospel is only viewed as Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, but while that is of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), our salvation could not be possible without the incarnation (the Word becoming flesh and making His dwelling with us) or the ascension. Several things are possible because Jesus is alive forevermore (Revelation 1:8) and seated at the right hand of the Father.
I. Luke 24:50-53. Because He ascended, we can have a change of address. What a beautiful picture it is of the alive Jesus being carried away to the Father. It’s very similar to the poor man in Luke 16:22. Both are fully conscious when they ascend, and Jesus tells us He’s going to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-4), something that is done for alive people. Furthermore, for those who are part of the first resurrection, the second death has no power over them (Revelation 20:6-15).
II. Acts 1:6-11. Because He ascended, our questions have good answers. No doubt we live in a time when Christian faith is under attack by scoffers (2 Peter 3:3-4), yet we can give an answer for where our Savior we claim is alive currently is and the work He is doing at the right hand of the Father. We can also say with certainty that Jesus will indeed return, not to bear sin (He’s already done that), but to bring to the Father those who are eagerly waiting for Him (Hebrews 9:26-28).
III. Hebrews 1:2-4. Because He ascended, we now have a heavenly advocate. Jesus told us that unless He went away we would not have certain advantages (John 16:7). As our High Priest in heaven (Hebrews 8:1-6), He can be a great help to us in our current lives because He was made like us in every way (Hebrews 2:14-18), but He can be a perfect intercessor for us at the Father’s side (Hebrews 7:22-26) as Satan is constantly accusing us before this very throne (Revelation 12:10).
We need Jesus every moment of our lives. Because He is ascended alive into heaven, our Savior is in a greater position to help us in every need that we have.