Yeah, that’s what I said!

Published: June 10, 2025Category: Sermon Preview

Oh, to be eloquent! Sometimes someone else has said it so perfectly, that to try and restate it is to ruin it. Given the material we are covering this Sunday, Acts 1:9-11, the ascension of Jesus to the right hand of God the Father, I thought nothing would be so appropriate as to recount the wonders of our salvation in Jesus. While we at Hebron often highlight the cross of Christ, and frequently address His life, teachings and resurrection, Jesus’ ascension to heaven is a crucial step in the redemptive story that we may fail to emphasize. That story is well told by the Swiss theologian, John Calvin, in his Institutes II.xvi.19.

“We see that our whole salvation is comprehended in Christ. We should therefore take care not to derive the least portion of our salvation from anywhere else:

  • If we seek salvation, we are taught that it is “of Christ”;
  • if we seek strength, it lies in his dominion;
  • if we seek gentleness, it appears in his birth.
  • if we seek redemption, it lies in his passion;
  • if acquittal, in his condemnation;
  • if remission of the curse, in his cross;
  • if satisfaction, in his sacrifice;
  • if purification, in his blood;
  • if reconciliation, in his descent into hell;
  • if mortification of the flesh, in his tomb;
  • if newness of life, in his resurrection;
  • if inheritance of the Heavenly Kingdom, in his entrance into heaven;
  • if protection, if security, if abundant supply of all blessings, in his Kingdom;
  • if untroubled expectation of judgment, in the power given to him to judge.

In short, since rich blessings of every kind abounds in Jesus, let us drink our fill from this fountain, and from no other.”

As we prepare to worship such a glorious Lord, read Acts 1:1-11.

  1. Last week, we looked at the first eight verses. How is the material covered in verses 9-11 essential to its understanding? (“And when He had said these things…”)
  2. “Was lifted up” is passive, it happens to Jesus. By whom? What are the options here? What difference might it make if Jesus lifted Himself up or if the Spirit or the Father did so? Or angels? Or…?
  3. What other option is there for the “cloud” other than a fluffy white raincloud in the sky? What other “cloud” might it be?
  4. Who are the men in white robes? Why are they not identified more clearly? What implications are we to draw from their presence at the ascension?
  5. What does it mean “the same way as you saw Him go?” What ‘way’ did they see Him go? What might it mean that He will return similarly?

By Henry Knapp