Resurrection, Ascension, and Lordship
(The Exaltation of Jesus Christ)
The Gospel does not end with the cross. After the death of Jesus Christ, three great events completed His redemptive mission and established His authority over all creation:
- The Resurrection
- The Ascension
- His Lordship
These events reveal that Christ is alive, exalted, and reigning as Lord.
1. The Resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection is the event in which God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day.
📖 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)
“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day.”
The resurrection is central to the Christian faith.
📖 1 Corinthians 15:14
“If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain.”
What the Resurrection Demonstrates
Victory Over Death
Jesus conquered death itself.
📖 Romans 6:9
“Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more.”
Confirmation of His Identity
The resurrection confirmed that Jesus is the Son of God.
📖 Romans 1:4
“Declared to be the Son of God with power… by the resurrection from the dead.”
Assurance of Our Future Resurrection
Because Christ rose, believers also have the promise of resurrection.
📖 1 Corinthians 15:20
“Christ the firstfruits of them that slept.”
2. The Ascension of Jesus
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for forty days and then ascended into heaven.
📖 Acts 1:9
“While they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.”
The ascension marks Christ’s return to heavenly glory.
The Meaning of the Ascension
Christ Entered His Heavenly Reign
The ascension shows that Jesus now reigns with the Father.
📖 Ephesians 1:20–21
God raised Christ and seated Him “at his own right hand in the heavenly places.”
Christ Became Our High Priest
Jesus now represents believers before God.
📖 Hebrews 7:25
“He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Christ continually intercedes for those who belong to Him.
Christ Sent the Holy Spirit
The ascension prepared the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
📖 John 16:7
“If I depart, I will send him unto you.”
The Spirit empowers believers to carry out Christ’s mission.
3. The Lordship of Christ
Following His resurrection and ascension, Jesus was exalted as Lord over all creation.
📖 Philippians 2:9–11
“God also hath highly exalted him… that every knee should bow.”
The title “Lord” means that Jesus possesses supreme authority.
What Christ’s Lordship Means
Authority Over All Creation
Jesus now rules over heaven and earth.
📖 Matthew 28:18
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Head of the Church
Christ governs and guides His people.
📖 Ephesians 1:22
“He gave him to be the head over all things to the church.”
Judge of the World
The risen Lord will one day judge humanity.
📖 Acts 17:31
God has appointed a day when He will judge the world through Christ.
4. The Believer’s Response
Because Jesus is risen and Lord, believers are called to respond in several ways.
Faith
Trust in Christ as Savior.
📖 Romans 10:9
“If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus… thou shalt be saved.”
Worship
Christ deserves worship as the exalted Son of God.
Obedience
Acknowledging Jesus as Lord means submitting our lives to His authority.
5. The Hope of Christ’s Return
The ascension also points forward to Christ’s return.
When Jesus ascended, angels told the disciples:
📖 Acts 1:11
“This same Jesus… shall so come in like manner.”
The risen and exalted Lord will one day return to complete God’s Kingdom purposes.
Summary
The resurrection, ascension, and lordship of Jesus Christ reveal the full triumph of God’s redemptive plan.
Through these events:
- Jesus conquered death
- He returned to heavenly glory
- He reigns as Lord over all
- He intercedes for believers
- He will one day return
The risen Christ now rules as the living Lord, and all who trust in Him share in the life and hope that flow from His victory.