Ascension, Session, Intercession and Victory

Dennis Tuuri

Outline: Luke 24:50-53 Ascension, Session, Intercession and Victory Sermon Notes for the Sixth Sunday in Easter, May 17, 2009, by Pastor Dennis R. Tuuri Intro: The Ascension as Culmination of the Gospel (see Chapter 2) The Ascension as Hinge of Luke/Acts The Text: The Blessing Associated with the Ascension (See Lev. 9:22) His Ascension and Ours Jn. 14:2,3; 1 Cor. 15:23 ; Rom. 11:16 ; Phil. 3:20 The Destination of the Ascension The Heavenly Session (Mark 16:19) The Purpose of the Ascension Session, Intercession and Victory 1 Cor. 15:25; Phil. 3:21; 2:9-11; Ps. 2, 110 The Results of the Ascension: Confident Worship and Great Joy at the Center The Conclusion: Where is He taking us? The Thirty-nine Articles Article 4. Christ did truly rise again from death, and took again his body, with flesh, bones, and all things appertaining to the perfection of Man ' s nature; wherewith he ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all Men at the last day. Westminster Larger Catechism Question 51: What was the estate of Christ ' s exaltation? Answer: The estate of Christ ' s exaltation comprehends his resurrection, ascension, sitting at the right hand of the Father, and his coming again to judge the world. Question 52: How was Christ exalted in his resurrection? Answer: Christ was exalted in his resurrection, in that, not having seen corruption in death (of which it was not possible for him to be held), and having the very same body in which he suffered, with the essential properties thereof (but without mortality, and other common infirmities belonging to this life), really united to his soul, he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power; whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God, to have satisfied divine justice, to have vanquished death, and him that had the power of it, and to be Lord of quick and dead: all which he did as a public person, the head of his church, for their justification, quickening in grace, support against enemies, and to assure them of their resurrection from the dead at the last day. Question 53: How was Christ exalted in his ascension? Answer: Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that having after his resurrection often appeared unto and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nations, forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head, triumphing over enemies, visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men, to raise up our affections thither, and to prepare a place for us, where himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world. Question 54: How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God? Answer: Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favor with God the Father, with all fulness of joy, glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth; and does gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies; furnishes his ministers and people with gifts and graces, and makes intercession for them. Question 55: How does Christ make intercession? Answer: Christ makes intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven, in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth, declaring his will to have it applied to all believers; Answering all accusations against them, and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and acceptance of their persons and services.