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

received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.

3. To spread abroad the “spoils” of his divine triumph over the devil and the forces of evil, Eph. 4.8-10

4. To prepare a place (i.e., the New Jerusalem) for his people, John 14.2-3; Acts 3.21 – whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

5. To empower us with his ongoing presence, Matt. 28.20 cf. John 16.7-15

6. To provide an indisputable sign of his Second Coming in glory, Acts 1.9-11

B. The significance of the Ascension in the Nicene Creed: creedal language and its biblical support

1. “He ascended into heaven:” the exaltation of the glorified Christ

a. Most extended accounts: Luke 24.50-51 and Acts 1.6-11

b. The significance of authority , Eph. 1.20

c. The fullness of endowment , Eph. 4.8-10