What an interesting thought that it was better for Jesus Christ to leave the earth than to stay. That statement would be hard to believe if Jesus had not said it Himself. But why was it better for Jesus to ascend into heaven? The book of Acts shines some light on an answer to this question, as well as three other promises that bolster the reason why.
The ascension of Christ was filled with promises that a Christian must turn to time and time again in his spiritual journey. What a counterintuitive outlook on the departure of Christ that it is better for the Christian that the Savior was to leave rather than stay.
Where in history has this been the case for the followers of a leader? Sure, there have been some horrible leaders throughout the ages, and for their followers, it was better that they perish. But that is not what took place in the life of Christ.
Christ was as good of a leader as there ever was and ever will be. The testimony of Christ that it was better that he would depart and go to be with the Father is once again an altogether unique claim that separates Christ from all the other religious leaders there have ever been.
Jesus Christ knew why it would better for the Christian, and He did not hesitate to make it known. In Acts 1:6-11, four promises were given to the apostles that a Christian can claim as his own as well.
- Christ promises His Spirit
The book of Acts is Luke’s second and last book in the New Testament. Luke was both a physician and a historian of sorts. He was detailed and meticulous in writing his accounts. The book of Luke starts by establishing the author’s credibility. Luke knew eyewitnesses, he was also an eyewitness, and he had been with Jesus for a good period of time.
His desire in the Gospel of Luke was to write an orderly account, he tells us, and he does not change his approach as he shifts over to the book of Acts. He even writes both books with a desire for a man by the name of Theophilus to read them. Finally, Luke informs us that his books were written with the intent of establishing certainty in the person and work of Christ.
Luke begins the book of Acts by telling about a time in which Christ is with His disciples and intends to go back to the Father. The disciples inquire of Jesus about the kingdom. Being Israelites, they are wondering if Christ will establish His kingdom on earth and thus fulfill the promises He made to Israel in the Old Testament. But at that present time, Christ had other plans.
At the cross, He established the Church Age, and Pentecost marked a pivotal point in the history of God’s plan of redemption. Jesus informed the disciples that the answer to their question is not for them to know. Rather, Jesus tells them, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
The Spirit would not be given until Christ ascended to be with the Father. Christ desired to always be with His people and did not want to leave them as orphans. But why would it be better for the Christian to have the Spirit rather than Christ? The reason is that when Jesus was on earth, His presence was an external presence. Jesus did many mighty acts and benefited people greatly. However, Jesus knew that the people needed His internal abiding and transforming presence.
By sending His Spirit, Jesus made man the new temple of God whereby God’s presence would continually dwell. There would no longer be a child of God declared to be named Ichabod (“the glory of God has departed”).
- Christ promises power
Not only did Jesus promise His Spirit, but He also promised His power. Scripture says, “But ye shall receive power…” (Acts 1:8). Jesus knew that man, when left to himself, would not accomplish anything for the kingdom of God. He tells us elsewhere, “…for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). The people of God need the power of God to perform the works of God.
In the Old Testament, there was a time when Moses saw all the work that God had told him to do, and he recognized that he needed help. As he turned to the Lord, God told Moses that He would pour out His Spirit on 70 others to help in the work of the ministry. This was a prelude to the day of Pentecost. In the Old Testament, people were equipped for the work of ministry by the power of the Spirit. But the Spirit was only given minimally for this task.
In the New Testament, Jesus promised that power by the Spirit would be given to each believer to help in the advancement of the kingdom.
- Christ promises a purpose
With the ascension of Christ also came a new purpose for the people of God. Prior to the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, the church had not existed. Israel was the focus of the Old Testament, and the church was altogether new at Pentecost. In the church, both the Jews and the Gentiles would be gathered together into one body, and there would be no separation. The dividing wall of hostility was broken down, and the two people became united at the foot of the cross.
A purpose emerged for the Gospel to be spread throughout the world. A mission was born that every tribe, tongue, and language would praise God and hear the Gospel. Scripture tells of the mission to witness “in Jerusalem … Judaea… and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The mission to the world began when the promise of a purpose was given.
- Christ promises His return
Finally, after Christ made these promises, the disciples watched Jesus depart from the earth. He is said to have been lifted up, and then a cloud literally took Him away and out of their sight. Following this event, the disciples saw two men standing by them, clothed in white robes.
This last promise is not technically from the mouth of Christ, but still it is a promise that these two ambassadors faithfully proclaimed. Scripture says, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, , which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). In the same way that Jesus went into heaven, so will Jesus return.
Application
As the Christian looks at all of the promises that were given in this portion of Scripture, he can see that God’s abiding presence is with him. Not a day goes by in the life of the Christian when God is not there. Jesus desired to be with His people, and He is with you through His Spirit. Not only that, but the Spirit is not a dead, dull, or dying Spirit; rather, He is a life-giving Spirit. The Spirit is a Spirit of power. Know and believe that as a Christian, you have power to bear fruit and do work for the kingdom.
Each and every believer also has a purpose. This is important to grasp. It is not just a select few who have the gift of evangelism and who are supposed to be witnesses for God. Every believer is called to the ministry to be a witness for Christ. Finally, Jesus Christ is going to return, and nobody knows the day or the hour. When He returns, be sure that you are conducting yourself as a faithful steward of that which He has entrusted in your care.
Final prayer
Father, thank You for the promises that You have given me in Your Word. Help me to find rest in Your promises. Increase my faith in what You tell me in Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.