Early Writings
by Ellen G. White
The Ascension of Christ
 |
 |
|
While the disciples watched Jesus ascend to heaven, "two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, 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 1:10-11'
Illustration ©
Review and Herald Publ. Assoc. |
|
All heaven was waiting the hour of triumph when Jesus should
ascend to His Father. Angels came to receive the King of glory and to escort
Him triumphantly to heaven. After Jesus had blessed His disciples, He was
parted from them and taken up. And as He led the way upward, the multitude of
captives who were raised at His resurrection followed. A multitude of the
heavenly host were in attendance, while in heaven an innumerable company of
angels awaited His coming. As they ascended to the Holy City, the angels who
escorted Jesus cried out, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift
up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in." The angels
in the city cried out with rapture, "Who is this [191] King
of glory?" The escorting angels answered in triumph, "The Lord strong
and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even
lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in!"
Again the waiting angels asked, "Who is this King of glory?" and the
escorting angels answered in melodious strains, "The Lord of hosts, He is
the King of glory." And the heavenly train passed into the city of God.
Then all the heavenly host surrounded their majestic Commander, and with the
deepest adoration bowed before Him and cast their glittering crowns at His
feet. And then they touched their golden harps, and in sweet, melodious strains
filled all heaven with rich music and songs to the Lamb who was slain, yet
lives again in majesty and glory. {EW 190.2}
As the disciples gazed sorrowfully toward heaven to catch
the last glimpse of their ascending Lord, two angels clothed in white apparel
stood by them and said to them, "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." The disciples and
the mother of Jesus, who with them had witnessed the ascension of the Son of
God, spent the following night in talking over His wonderful acts and the strange
and glorious events which had taken place within a short time. {EW 191.1}
Satan again counseled with his angels, and with bitter
hatred against God's government told them that while he retained his power and
authority upon earth their efforts must be tenfold stronger against the
followers of Jesus. They had prevailed nothing against Christ but must
overthrow His followers, if possible. In every generation they must seek to
ensnare those who would believe in Jesus. He related to his angels [192]
that Jesus had given His disciples power to rebuke them and cast them out, and
to heal those whom they should afflict. Then Satan's angels went forth like
roaring lions, seeking to destroy the followers of Jesus. {EW 191.2}
|
