Ascension of Christ
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character was immediately discerned by the disciples, whom they
addressed in comforting accents, saying, “Ye men of Galilee, why
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stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up
from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen
him go into Heaven.” These angels were of the company that had been
waiting in a shining cloud to escort Jesus to his throne; and in sympathy
and love for those whom the Saviour had left, they came to remove all
uncertainty from their minds, and to give them the assurance that he
would come to earth again.
All Heaven was waiting to welcome the Saviour to the celestial
courts. As he ascended he led the way, and the multitude of captives
whom he had raised from the dead at the time when he came forth
from the tomb, followed him. The heavenly host, with songs of joy
and triumph, escorted him upward. At the portals of the city of God
an innumerable company of angels awaited his coming. As they
approached the gates of the city, the angels who were escorting the
Majesty of Heaven, in triumphant tones addressed the company at
the portals: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye
everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in!”
The waiting angels at the gates of the city inquire in rapturous
strains, “Who is this King of Glory?” The escorting angels joyously
reply in songs of triumph, “The Lord, strong and mighty! The Lord,
mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O ye gates, even lift them up, ye
everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in!” Again the
waiting angels ask, “Who is this King of Glory?” and the escorting
angels respond in melodious strains, “The Lord of hosts! He is the
King of Glory!” Then the portals of the city of God are widely opened,
and the heavenly train pass in amid a burst of angelic music. All
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the heavenly host surround their majestic Commander as he takes his
position upon the throne of the Father.
With the deepest adoration and joy, the hosts of angels bow before
him, while the glad shout rings through the courts of Heaven: “Worthy
is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom,
and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing!” Songs of triumph
mingle with music from angelic harps, till Heaven seems to overflow
with delightful harmony, and inconceivable joy and praise. The Son of
God has triumphed over the prince of darkness, and conquered death
and the grave. Heaven rings with voices in lofty strains proclaiming: