Ninth and final in the Ascension Series

In a literary drama or a play, the climax is the highest point in the action where the solution is given— a problem is solved. It is a turning point after which there is a resolution or denouement, a final outcome.

Applying this pattern to the plan of God for man, the crucifixion of His son was the highest point, wherein we are saved from sin— the strife is over, the victory won! Thus, the resurrection, ascension and the time and events following are the outcome and results made possible by the turning point.

The Lord is now gathering his people in, the church is being built; the bride is readying herself for her marriage and the marriage supper (Rev 19:7-9). All must carefully consider where their lives are heading and whether they have acknowledged the death of Jesus on the cross as their sufficient means of reconciliation with the Father.

Whosoever believes can be sure Christ is interceding for them, and He will return to assure their resurrection, whether from death or as they live.

Today, Christians are in a testing phase, a proving ground. At times it may seem to be beyond our capabilities. Yet as we press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14), we gather strength and we endure and continue on, knowing:

• Christ, our brother, intercedes for us, so we have help to live or to suffer and die.
• Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (Heb 4:14)
• He is our Lord, resurrected, in Glory. Thus it is that we have the hope of heaven and of resurrection.
• In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)
• Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, (Heb 6:19-20a)
• But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept…
  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive…
  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Cor 15:20, 22, 51, 52)
• We have power through the sacrifice of the Lord to stand against Satan. The Lord has now been glorified with God on high as he was before his incarnation. (John 17:5) We are reminded of Christ’s words,
• And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luk 10:18-10)

This seems to tie in with Revelation 12 when Satan and his angels are cast out of heaven after a battle with Michael and his angels.

• And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Rev 12:9-10)

To repeat, we are not to be happy that we have power over the enemy, though that is a marvelous ability, but so much more, we are to rejoice because our names are written in heaven.

• Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
  Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
  And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. (1 Cor 3:21-23)