Theology Class: Jesus’ Resurrection and Post-Ascension Ministries
If you missed our last Basic Theology class, here’s your recap of our discussion.
Why Jesus’ Resurrection Matters
Jesus didn’t just rise from the dead as a miraculous event — He did so with purpose and fulfillment. His resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith.
Here’s what it accomplished: Jesus’ resurrection…
- Fulfilled long-anticipated prophecies (Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10–12)
- Completed our atonement — our sins are fully paid for and accepted
- Validated His identity and claims (Romans 1:4)
- Justified believers — we are declared righteous before God (Romans 4:25)
- Conquered sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55–57)
- Gave us new life (Romans 6:4)
- Assured our own resurrection someday
Every one of these truths changes how we live right now.
Evidence That Jesus Really Rose
The resurrection isn’t just a “faith story” — it’s a historical event with solid evidence:
- The empty tomb – heavily guarded; His enemies couldn’t deny it (Luke 24:3).
- Many eyewitnesses – 500+ people saw Him alive (1 Corinthians 15:6).
- The disciples’ brutal deaths– fearful men became fearless martyrs.
- The Day of Pentecost – the promised Spirit came (Acts 2); the Church is born.
- The continued existence of His Church — 2,000 years later, it still stands.
A New Prototype Body
When Jesus rose, something incredible happened — He became the prototype for what our future resurrection will be like.
- Jesus’ body was linked to His earthly one — people recognized Him (John 20:20), His wounds remained even after His resurrection (20:25) and ascension (Revelation 5:6).
- Yet, His body was changed, glorified — He appeared and disappeared (Luke 24:31), and even passed through locked doors (John 20:19).
- Luke 24:39 “See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”
His resurrection body is our preview of what’s to come (1 Corinthians 15:35–41).
Jesus’ Ascension
- After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:6–11).
- His work on earth was finished, and His heavenly ministry had begun. (Ephesians 4:10)
- Now, He sits at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 Timothy 3:16), actively involved in the life of His people.
Jesus’ Present (Post-Ascension) Ministries
Jesus didn’t just ascend to “wait around” in heaven — He’s actively working right now.
Here’s what He’s doing:
- Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22–23)
- Building His Church (Matthew 16:18)
- Sanctifying His people (Ephesians 5:26)
- Empowering us through His Spirit (John 15)
- Giving spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:7–13)
- Our High Priest, interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25)
- Answering prayer (John 14:13–14). He also abides in us, ministers to us, and works through us.
Jesus’ Future Ministries
The story isn’t over. Jesus is coming back to complete His redemptive work.
- He will raise the dead.
- Believers at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)
- Old Testament saints at His second coming (Daniel 12:2)
- Unbelievers after the Millennium (Revelation 20:5)
- He will judge and reward.
- Believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10)
- Unbelievers at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11–15)
- He will rule the world.
- When Jesus returns, He will reign as a righteous, benevolent King (Isaiah 11:1–10; Jeremiah 23:5–6). The world will finally experience:
- Righteousness
- Justice
- True peace
- Spiritual renewal
Question for reflection: If Jesus returned tomorrow to rule the world, what’s the first thing you’d want Him to address?
Most of us said, “Destroy evil,” and “End Satan’s rule in the world.”
And the good news is — He will!
In Summary
Jesus’ resurrection isn’t just a past event — it’s the living foundation of our hope, our faith, and our future. He rose, He reigns, and He’s coming again.
“Because I live, you will live also.” — John 14:19