SEMESTER 5
475 – The Lord’s Commission, Ascension and Exaltation
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: BIBLE SURVEY V LESSON # 75
THE LORD’S COMMISSION, ASCENSION AND EXALTATION
Read Mat. 28:16-20
, Mk. 16:9-20, Lk. 24:36-53, Acts 1:1-14; 2:22-36
INTRODUCTION:
1. I place these three events together because they are so necessarily interdependent.
2. Without the ascension and exaltation, the commission is impossible. (Jn. 16:5-16)
I. OUR LORD’S COMMISSION TO HIS CHURCH
1. The great commission should be viewed institutionally. (Luke 24:33-49)
i. If viewed apostolically it is dead.
ii. If viewed individually it is dead.
iii. To a perpetual institution it is perpetual. (Matt. 16:18-28)
2. It should be seen as having individual responsibility. (Acts 1:8)
3. Individuals within it have different assignments. (I Cor. 12:1-14)
4. It is a responsibility to go to all the world. (Matt. 28:19-20)
5. It should be seen as binding till He comes back. (Acts 1:6-14, I Cor. 11:23-26)
6. There are definite responsibilities, which His churches and only His churches have.
i. Preaching Christ. (I Cor. 1:23 and 15:1-4)
ii. Baptizing those who profess faith in him. (Acts 2:41)
iii. Teaching people to live in obedience. (Matt. 28:19-20)
II. THE COMMISSION AND CHRIST’S ASCENSION
1. The whole commission and proper function is relevant to His ascension. (Eph. 4:10-12)
2. He “ascended up far above all heaven that He might fulfill…” (Eph. 4:10-12)
3. The indication is that the ascension was necessary for the church’s success.
III. CHRIST’S EXALTATION AND THE CHURCH’S WORK
1. Christ said all power is mine, go ye therefore. (Matt. 28:19-20)
2. This word power (exousia) indicates both authority and ability.
i. Only the entity commissioned by this authority has the right to go.
ii. Only the endeavor of this commission has the protection of this “all power.”
iii. Only in view of this power can this endeavor expect success.
3. Christ is presently seated in this exaltation. (Acts 2:33)
i. His ascension and exaltation is relevant to His promise of the Holy Ghost.
ii. This in turn is relevant to the baptism of the Holy Ghost upon His church
iii. This is necessary for our fulfilling the commission. (Acts 1:3-8)