Modern millennialists would do well to learn this important truth.

The ascension of Christ demonstrated the manner of Christ’s final return.

 The disciples “beheld” Jesus vanishing into the clouds (Acts 1:11b).

The verb theaomai is employed 24 times in the New Testament, and never is it used in a figurative sense. They literally saw Christ ascend.

 Additionally, Luke emphasizes that “in like manner,” i.e., in a visible fashion, the Lord will return.

The combination of these terms clearly indicates that the Savior’s second coming will be a literal coming.

This eliminates the spurious notion that Christ’s representative “coming”

(via the Roman armies — Matthew 22:7), in the overthrow of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:30), was his second coming (cf. Heb. 9:28).

 And yet the advocates of “realized eschatology” contend otherwise.

 Luke’s language also eliminates the theory that the Lord’s next “coming” will be an invisible “rapture-coming,” as dispensationalists project.

The ascension of Jesus provides us with a supreme confidence that we have a heavenly High Priest who, having been “crowned with glory and honor”

 (Hebrews 1:13; 2:7,9), ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25; cf. 1 John 2:1-2).

 This concept of a heavenly high priest is a prevailing theme in the book of Hebrews.

The ascension argues for the proposition that our eternal destiny will not be upon a “glorified earth,” as many affirm.

Jesus entered heaven as a “forerunner” (one who goes in advance of others) for us (Hebrews 7:20).   

By his return to heaven, Christ “dedicated for us” a new and living way that is not earthly in nature (Hebrews 10:20).

Earth is not heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).

The ascension of Christ underscores the fact that Christians are charged with the responsibility of implementing his will on earth, as he reigns from heaven.

The Teacher’s parting words commissioned his people to make disciples of every creature among the nations throughout the earth

(Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47).

In the Parable of the Pounds, the Nobleman (Christ), who went into the far country (heaven),

expected his servants to wisely utilize, on his behalf, that which had been placed at their disposal.

The servant who ignored this obligation was rejected and punished, along with those characterized as “enemies”

 (see Luke 19:12-27; cf. Matthew 25:30).

The Lord uses no “feet” to go, nor “tongues” to proclaim, save ours.

The treasure has been deposited with “earthen vessels” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Let us, therefore, shoulder the responsibility, and be honored thereby.