Highly Exalted

The anniversary each year of the Ascension of Christ was greatly welcomed by slaves in Christian households in the early church – they were given the day off! Thus the early church marked the importance of that great event, which is often ignored in the modern church. Yet, if Jesus had not consummated his resurrection by ascending back to the Father’s right hand, to resume his seat upon the throne, there would be no church at all, either modern or ancient! So important is the ascension. Yet even more important is the task that the ascended Christ at once assumed, that of making continual intercession before the Father on behalf of the church, acting as our High Priest for ever. But the ascension and high priestly ministry of Christ are more than just a pretty doctrine. Both ideas have vital ramifications in the daily life of each Christian, and it is tragic that so few Christians are truly aware of them. Yet to live consciously within the framework of the ascension of Christ and of his perpetual intercession, is to gain immense spiritual wealth. This book is an attempt to assist readers to grasp the significance of this heavenly ministry of the risen and ascended Christ, and to apply these powerful ideas to daily life. The book also provides a commentary on the middle chapters of the Letter to the Hebrews. Other parts of Hebrews are discussed in the author’s book Royal Priesthood.