Today marks the day that Jesus ascended to the Father. We usually think that we are saved only by the cross. May I suggest that there are eight aspects of the work of Christ that bring us salvation. They are: (1) His incarnation via the virgin birth, (2) His life (“saved by His life” Rom 5:10), (3) His crucifixion (atoning sacrifice), (4) His burial (descent into death resulting in its defeat), (5) His resurrection (the guarantee of ours), (6) His Ascension (The Priest arising to sprinkle the Heavenly Holy Place with His own blood), (7) His continual intercession for us as our Great High Priest, and (8) His return to earth (raising our bodies and finishing new creation). Be grateful, for by these the Messiah has brought us a full and comprehensive redemption.
“But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:11-12 (NRSV)
