A note from our pastor:

“He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)”

Ephesians 4:10

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse today concludes this particular parenthetical lesson from the Apostle Paul to his audience. As pointed out last week, the parentheticals used especially by this New Testament writer, are an aside from the immediate message but contain important information.

The Apostle begins with, the one who descended from heaven is the same one that ascended from heaven. The careful phrasing of this statement should be noted in our studies. If the Apostle had flipped the wording — the one who ascended is the same as the one that descended — it could be interpreted as, Christ came from heaven with his incarnation, or a human nature. However, given the phrasing the Apostle uses, the text under consideration tells the reader Christ descended as Lord and ascended as Lord.

Let’s consider this thought a little further. In a natural sense, a man or woman can put on different garments. If we see a woman, we will call her Heather, wearing a set of scrubs we can rightfully assume Heather is a doctor. If later we see Heather wearing her bicycling outfit and helmet we might gather she is a road racer. Either way, Heather is the same person, despite our assumptions about her. The same was true of Christ. He was divine, but he put on the clothing of man. It did not change his nature though. He descended as fully God and ascended as fully God.

When he did ascend, far above the stars and clouds we see, he did so to fulfill all things. To complete all the types and shadows of his death, burial, and resurrection after three days. Having told the disciples and others the only sign needed was of Jonah in the belly of the great fish. To complete the picture of the High Priest entering into the holiest of holies to make intercession on behalf of the people of God. Christ needing to enter into that place once and forever. To complete his role as King of Kings, taking up his rightful place on the throne of David. To complete his promises to the New Testament church of sending the Holy Spirit to bring truth and comfort.

What a blessed truth it is, to know Christ descended from heaven for the purpose of doing his father’s will and ascended to heaven having completed his purpose.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah