A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

c. In this sense, there can be no church which is not an “apostolic” church, that is, in the sense that we cling to the narrative and the commentary of the apostles about the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth.

2. The testimony of the apostles regarding the resurrection of Jesus alone can provide us with authoritative eye witness accounts of the fact of Jesus’ resurrection as well as its interpretation .

C. The resurrection above all else is the vindication of Messiah Jesus’ through his risen life.

1. The resurrection proclaims his divine sonship , Rom. 1.3-4 – . . . concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh [4] and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. 2. The resurrection reveals his unity with the power of the Spirit of God , 1 Tim. 3.16 – Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

The New Testament Witness to the Ascension of Christ

I. Affirming the Ascension of Jesus Christ

A. The importance of this doctrine for vital Christian worship, spiritual warfare, and fruitful mission

1. To fulfill his promise of his return to the Father, John 6.62; 14.2,12; 16.5,10, 28; 20.17, as a vindication of his Messiahship and sonship