<p>SINGING: 58 – 183 - 198: 1,2,3,4,7 - 129: 3,4,5 READING: Psalm 68 – Apostolic Creed – C.o.D. Head3/4: 9</p><p>CHRIST’S ASCENSION</p><p>Lords Day 18: Q and A 46,47,48</p><p>1. Christ went into heaven and remains there until His coming again (Q and A 46). 2. Christ’s ascension is considered in the light of His promise that He shall be with us until the end of the world. (Q and A 47). 3. The two natures of Christ (Q and A 48).</p><p> o The ascension of Christ is a real fact and it is the second step of His exaltation.</p><p> o His work here on earth is finished, but He continues His work in heaven, exalted at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.</p><p> o The enemies saw that He was dead and they had sealed His grave. But He arose and ascended into heaven as the King of glory.</p><p> o Also the fact of His ascension is a part of His mediatorial work.</p><p> o Is He, this exalted Christ, our hope, our life, our strength, that we may receive grace?</p><p> o I bring this question to your conscience: What does the ascension of Christ mean to you personally?</p><p> o That our hearts might be set upon these truths that Jesus Christ ascended into heaven. o For what purpose did He ascend? That He might be our Head and High Priest in heaven. o It is where the seat of their blessedness is prepared with Christ. It is in this heaven that God is said to dwell. o The eyes of the disciples could not follow Jesus entering into heaven, into His glory. A cloud received Him out of their sight. o The trouble so often is that we think earthly of heavenly things. o God’s word teaches us that Jesus Christ is true man and true God. o He assumed the form of a servant, in the likeness of sinful flesh, yet in the divine nature He remained unchanged. o Is that not a word of comfort? Is that not a word of strength flowing out of the ascension of Christ? o God’s church has the future, because Christ is with them. He is above all the powers and temptations of Satan. o Although we sin daily, although we are unworthy of His presence, He is present with His grace. o What is our relation to this exalted Christ? Is He the foundation of our life, the hope of our life? Is He everything for us?</p>