Pdt. Paulus Pujianto, M.Th | Ascension Day of Jesus Christ Services | Thursday, 14 May 2026
The Essence of Christ’s Ascension and His Ongoing Work
The commemoration of Jesus Christ’s ascension into Heaven is not merely a ceremonial celebration, but a declaration of God’s total victory over death and a guarantee of the certainty of His return. Christ’s ascension does not mean that He simply left His people behind without a purpose. On the contrary, His departure to Heaven was done for the sake of those who believe in Him. Just as Christ worked on earth to complete the mission of human salvation through His sacrifice on the cross, so too is He not idle in Heaven today.
Acts 1:9-11 (NKJV)
9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,
11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Acts 3:19-21 (NKJV)
19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,
21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
Based on a reading of the two verses above, it is clear that Christ must remain in Heaven until the time of the restoration of all things arrives.
1. Christ Ascended to Heaven as the Reigning King
The Ascension of Jesus is a declaration of the King’s return to the throne in perfect glory. Through this authority, believers are reminded that:
- Supreme Authority Over All: As stated in Ephesians 1:20–22, Christ has been seated at the right hand of God, far above every ruler, authority, and power of darkness. Satan no longer holds supreme control.
- Control Amidst Global Crisis: Even though the world situation feels increasingly difficult—whether due to economic factors, prolonged wars, or family struggles—God still holds complete control. Not a single season of His people’s lives escapes the watchful care and sovereignty of the heavenly throne.
Ephesians 1:20-22 (NKJV)
20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
2. Christ Is the Perfect Mediator and Advocate
In heaven, Jesus holds a strategic position as an intercessor and advocate for the well-being of His people.
- Facing Intimidation in the Spiritual Realm: When the devil tries to intimidate, accuse, or make believers feel weak and discouraged, Jesus stands before the Father as our advocate, ready to support us and hear our prayers.
- God’s Unwavering Faithfulness: Through the true story of a mother in South Korea who spent years praying for her son, who was trapped in a cycle of drug addiction and crime while in prison, this story illustrates how persistent prayer is driven by the conviction that Jesus is constantly at work in Heaven. The Holy Spirit touched the son’s heart in prison, leading him to complete repentance and restoring his life to serve the Lord. When humans have given up, Christ has proven that He never gives up.
3. Christ Will Return to Restore All Things
The world is currently in a transitional period between Christ’s ascension and His second coming. The delay of His coming is not a sign of neglect, but rather a testament to God’s patience, so that not a single soul may perish.
- Becoming God’s Co-workers: As we await His coming, God’s people are called to be agents of restoration on earth, mending broken relationships, reaching out to young people whose lives have been damaged by their social circles, and bringing souls back to God through discipleship.
- Not an Arrival Committee, but a Welcome Team: Believers are not meant to be busy speculating about dates or acting as a “committee” regarding when Jesus will return. Their primary calling is to be a “welcoming team” that is always on standby whenever that moment arrives. This readiness is demonstrated by maintaining a commitment to worship, diligently reading the Bible, and focusing on eternal values rather than temporary worldly matters.
Let us prepare for life wisely by softening our hearts like clay ready to be shaped by God, the Potter. The coming of the Lord is a certainty, both universal and personal. Therefore, living in repentance, filled with the Holy Spirit, and with a burning faithfulness is the key for every believer to welcome the King.