Ascension story “reworks the world”

By Roy R. Jeal and ChristianWeek | August 18, 2010

This bright, cheerful book calls Christians to think closely about a surprisingly neglected yet intriguingly central part of belief and confession: the ascension of Jesus. Brothers Tim and Aaron Perry draw our attention to the event and the idea of the ascension, and to its deep implications for faithful living.

In seven chapters (set out in two sections, "The Ascension and Jesus" and "The Ascension and the Christian Life," plus an Appendix) the Perrys show how the ascension is a vital feature of gospel storytelling in the New Testament, right along with Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Yet many believers seem puzzled by it, if they think of ascension much at all. Where did Jesus go? Up in the sky? To heaven? Where is that? Is it some real location? What is He doing there? What did the disciples actually see when Jesus "was taken up"? Is a real ascension of Jesus even believable?

Careful reading of relevant New Testament passages, particularly the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles but also other texts in Hebrews, Ephesians and elsewhere, say the authors, show that the ascension completes and confirms the story of Jesus. He has been taken up, alive, bodily, physically, victoriously to sit at God's right hand, reigning and giving gifts to the Church. He is there now, calling the Church to live obediently in light of where He is, and to wait patiently for His eventual and inevitable return.

If Jesus is alive and well, exalted and reigning over all things, then there are implications for how the world—with all of its own power structures and attempts to get things right—is seen. The ascension "reworks the world" because it shows Christ Jesus exalted over all possible powers as the one who has made things right in the world and who continues to live for the good of all.

Particularly helpful is the chapter "Confession: the Ascension and the Powers." Confessing that we believe in the ascension is a performative act. Words do not merely make assertions, they form people, they do things to them. Things change when people say "I believe in…," so when believers are committed to the ascension they are aware that the living, reigning Christ has a claim on them. They belong not to themselves but to the exalted Jesus.

He Ascended Into Heaven is theologically astute yet practical for every reader. This is a fine book for a group study. Each chapter ends with thoughtful discussion questions. The light touch to writing and explanation of ideas leads readers along helpfully. What we learn about the ascension can shape our Christian lives dramatically.