ursinus commentary on the heidelberg catechism

6:26.) Secondly, it signifies the ethereal region beyond, including the celestial spheres. The term heaven has, as it is used in the Scriptures, three significations. WHITHER DID CHRIST ASCEND?Īfter Christ had given many infallible proofs to his apostles of his resurrection from the dead, and of his true humanity, he ascended into heaven, in the sight of his disciples, on the fortieth day after his resurrection, when he was with them in Bethany. In what does the ascension of Christ differ from ours? All the questions which we have here proposed in relation to the ascension of Christ, may be reduced to the following: We shall speak of the fruits of his ascension when we treat upon the forty-ninth Question of the Catechism. From what place did he ascend? From Bethany, at the mount of Olives. When did he ascend? The fortieth day after his resurrection. How did he ascend? Visibly, and whilst his disciples were beholding him, by a true, and local elevation or gradual ascent of his body from earth into heaven.

For what purpose did he ascend? That he might be our Head, and High-Priest in heaven. By what help, or means? By the peculiar power of his Godhead. Whither did he ascend? Up into heaven, above these visible heavens. According to what did he ascend? According to his human nature. Who ascended? The very same person that suffered, and rose again. In speaking of the history of the ascension of Christ, the following things are to be considered: 1. In this, as in the article of the resurrection of Christ, there are two things which chiefly claim our attention - its history and fruits. The ascension of Christ into heaven is a visible, local and real translation of his body and soul from earth into that heaven, which is above all visible heavens at the right hand of God, in that light which is inaccessible, where he now is, and remains, and from which he will come to judgment. That Christ, in sight of his disciples, was taken up from the earth into heaven and that he continues there for our interest, until he come again to judge the quick and the dead. How dost thou understand these words, 'he ascended into heaven?'Īnswer.

Ursinus commentary on the heidelberg catechism