Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 134, 1897

Christ’s Ascension

1897

Portions of this manuscript are published in 6BC 1053.

“God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto the King, sing praise. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.” [Psalm 47:5-7.] “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: The Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. Thou hast ascendeth on high, thou hast led captivity captive; thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.” [Psalm 68:17, 18.] 12LtMs, Ms 134, 1897, par. 1

Christ came to earth as God in the guise of humanity. He ascended to heaven as the King of saints. His ascension was worthy of His exalted character. He went as one mighty in battle, a conqueror, leading captivity captive. He was attended by the heavenly host, amid shouts and acclamations of praise and celestial song. 12LtMs, Ms 134, 1897, par. 2

The challenge was given by the escorting angels. “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.” Joyfully the waiting sentinels make response, “Who is this king of glory?” This they say, not because they do not know who He is, but because they would hear the answers of exalted praise. The answer comes back, “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.” [Psalm 24:7-9.] 12LtMs, Ms 134, 1897, par. 3

Again the challenge is heard, “Who is this King of glory?” for the angels never weary of hearing His name exalted. In strains of heavenly music the escorting angels make reply, “The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.” [Verse 10.] Emmanuel, God with us “is gone up with a shout; the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.” [Psalm 47:5.] 12LtMs, Ms 134, 1897, par. 4

Only for a few moments could the disciples hear the angels’ song as their Lord ascended, His hands outstretched in blessing. They heard not the greeting He received. All heaven united in His reception. His entrance was not begged. All heaven was honored by His presence. 12LtMs, Ms 134, 1897, par. 5

“Wherefore he saith, when he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ... He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. ... Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” [Ephesians 4:8, 10, 13.] 12LtMs, Ms 134, 1897, par. 6

The seal of heaven has been fixed to Christ’s atonement. 12LtMs, Ms 134, 1897, par. 7