Ascension -- in the Heavenly Realms

Last Thursday marked the anniversary of the ascension of Jesus Christ back into heaven as His earthly ministry was completed. What began in Bethlehem culminated in Galilee. His death and resurrection brought salvation to light for all humanity. Having shown Himself to His followers in various numbers and places over 40 days, He was taken up into the clouds and returned to heaven. That is where He had been since before creation and will be at the ending of time.

Sunday we observed this special day with a sermon: "In the Heavenly Realms." Paul in Ephesians 1 states that God "raised him from the dead and seated him at the right hand...in the heavenly realms." This exultation is the boomerang effect of his condensation and humiliation (Philippians.)

Since Paul uses this phrase "in the heavenly realms" here and 4 other places in Ephesians we have a 5 point outline of the real-world, real-time effects of this historic event. Because Christ returned to the Heavenly Realms at the ascension we are BLESSED (1.3), EMPOWERED (1.20), MADE ALIVE (2.6), GRANTED ACCESS (3.10) and PROTECTED (6.12).

Each "in the heavenly realms" could be developed into a sermon of its own, but we glanced at each Sunday. The objective was encouragement and a change in our thinking. These five things are true of us regardless of the circumstances around us. They are secure with Jesus in heaven beyond the corrupting influence of earth. Our living would be different if we defined ourselves by these 5 characteristics -- if Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3.1-3).