The Ascension of Christ: Recovering a Neglected Doctrine

by Patrick Schreiner, Michael Bird (Editor)

The Ascension is essential to the gospel The good news of Jesus includes his life, death, resurrection, and future return--but what about his ascension? Though often neglected or misunderstood, the ascension is integral to the gospel.

In The Ascension of Christ, Patrick Schreiner argues that Jesus' work would be incomplete without his ascent to God's right hand. Not only a key moment in the gospel story, Jesus' ascension was necessary for his present ministry in and through the church. Schreiner argues that Jesus' residence in heaven marks a turning point in his three-fold offices of prophet, priest, and king. As prophet, Jesus builds the church and its witness. As priest, he intercedes before the Father. As king, he rules over all.

A full appreciation of the ascension is essential for understanding the Bible, Christian doctrine, and Christ's ongoing work in the world.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction

120 pages, Paperback

Published July 29, 2020

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Christ descended in order to bring God to humanity, and he ascended to bring humanity to God.”

[Steve Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite read in 2020. Brilliant and well-written. As the subtitle suggests, the ascension is a neglected doctrine, yet Patrick Schreiner shows the importance of Christ's ascension for salvation, intercession, kingship, and consummation.

"Christ descended in order to bring God to humanity, and he ascended to bring humanity to God." (105)

Blog posts:
https://blog.lexhampress.com/2020/07/...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...

Interviews:
https://podcast.westernseminary.edu/e...
https://www.regenerationproject.org/p...
https://adversariapodcast.com/2020/05...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/po...
https://newbooksnetwork.com/category/...
https://youtu.be/4wxUGSjfyPY
https://secundumscripturas.com/2020/1...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnJu9...
https://www.prestonsprinkle.com/theol...
https://ps.edu/why-did-jesus-ascend-t...
https://credomag.com/2021/05/what-doe...

Videos:
https://credomag.com/2020/05/new-vide...
https://credomag.com/2020/05/new-cred...

Book Reviews:
https://readingacts.com/2020/07/28/bo...
https://musicgoon.tumblr.com/post/626...
https://mereorthodoxy.com/book-review...
https://www.bookreviews.org/pdf/13240...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/re...

[Matt Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: Just finished for the second time in preparation for announcing it as our church's summer book discussion book for this summer. Still so good the second time.

I was eager to get my hands on this book and it did not disappoint. Schreiner is a gifted writer and lucid theological thinker. He uncovered what he calls "shadows of the ascension" in the OT I had never considered or connected to Christ's ascension before. But perhaps the most helpful element of the book is its organization around Christ's three offices of prophet, priest, and king. This is not new in itself, but its application to the ascension - noting how those three offices Christ fulfilled on earth are ratcheted up at his ascension - provides abundant insight into the glorious significance of Christ's ascension and the blessings that flow from Christ's heavenly reign to his church on earth. Those who have not given much attention to the ascension will be pleasantly surprised by how much they have missed while those who have not neglected this doctrine will nonetheless discover they have not yet plumbed the depths of this essential doctrine.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to provide a positive review.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more books like this one that shift the theological and interpretive spotlight back onto events that the church has largely let fall into the shadows. Christ’s ascension is of incredible importance, though that would be hard to know if our gauge was the church’s infrequent celebration of this event.

This relatively brief study walks us through all the pertinent biblical texts, using as a pattern the threefold office of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King. The author does an exemplary job of incorporating Old Testament paradigms. I also appreciated how he consistently connected the ascension to the ministry and work of the church.

While those in other traditions (such as mine—Lutheran) will disagree on some doctrinal details, we can certainly applaud the work as a whole. A job well done.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've long needed a short, accessible introduction to Christ's ascension, and now this is it. Schreiner looks at how the ascension of Christ is an event in its own right and central to understanding the work of Christ. By looking at the ascension through Christ's offices as prophet, priest, and king, Schreiner shows how certain "shadow stories" across the canon point to the importance of Christ's ascension.

This is short enough to read in small group settings and should hopefully emphasize the need for a strong theology of the ascension in evangelical churches.

Note: I work for the publisher, but even if I didn't, I would still give this five-stars.

[Caleb Batchelor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 116 pages, Patrick Schreiner explains why the ascension of Christ is good news. Great little book.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with the Author that the Ascension of Christ is a neglected part of modern Christology - or at the very least it is combined (and perhaps almost drowned out) with the Resurrection.

I’m not as convinced though of the Author’s tying of the Ascension to the Prophet / Priest / King side of things. Not that I necessarily disagree - and he has given me things to think about. However I found his arguments in the Ascension + Prophet chapter to be a little forced. A little like the conclusion was assumed, rather than discovered... Of course the Priest side of things is quite apparent in Hebrews, and it may in fact be the earthly side of this that needs more argument. The King side was I thought the best developed, and I think comes most easily from Scripture.

Whilst touched on a couple of times, I would’ve appreciated seeing much more said about the “bodily” Ascension, just as we emphasise a “bodily” Resurrection. I think many of us forget that the Incarnation continues. That Jesus was and IS fully God and fully man. I am learning to appreciate Luther’s strong arguments in this regard - and feel this area needed much more coverage.

I would’ve also appreciated some “Further Reading” suggestions.

However, this short book is most welcome, and is easy to read. I do hope it get more Christians thinking and talking about the Ascension :)

[Jack Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book mostly deals with Christ’s ascension through the lens of his threefold work as prophet, priest and king — and in that sense it was actually quite frustrating, as it didn’t really deal with the ascension proper, or its other theological implications, until the final chapter. However the final chapter was quite good.

[Wes Van Fleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember sitting in a class in seminary years ago and the professor demanded that the ascension was a part of the gospel. I’ve believed it since that day because he proved it so beautifully. Years later, Schreiner had released this short, yet theologically rich, book on the ascension of Jesus. Beauty and power spill over from these pages.

Schreiner demonstrates how the ascension is integral and clear in Christ’s roles as Prophet, Priest, and King. He also shows how the ascension relates to important doctrines like the Trinity, the Incarnation, the death and resurrection of Christ, and eschatology.

This book is short enough to hand out to new believers, lay people, and student, while being rich enough to encourage and deepen the most studied people. Highly recommended!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD! I expected it to be good from the standpoint of expanding my knowledge. What I didn’t expect (though I don’t know why) is the immediate impact it would have on my heart. Don’t mistake this for a dry or academic book. It is helpful and informative for sure, but it is also wonderfully warm, comforting, and hopeful. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

[Mark Popovitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very packed on an overlooked doctrine, yet very digestible in 116 pages. Schreiner does a great job of keeping doctrines separated where they need to be distinguished and connecting them where the Scriptures enfold the work of Christ together in its various aspects. Very helpful and a wonderful read. Highly recommended indeed 👍🏻

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Highly recommend.

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book on the neglected doctrine of the ascension.
Schreiner looks at the ascended Jesus as prophet, priest and king.
Excellent theology. Pretty accessible. Heart warming at times.

[Donald Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only finished this book because it is one chosen in our reading group and I decided I had an obligation to my reading group to get through the whole thing.

I had high hopes for this book, but they were dashed as page after page included very poor to non-existent exegesis for the claims made. In addition, an extremely faulty hermeneutical philosophy permeated. The author appears to be afflicted with Covenant Theology and can't help but spiritualize the text again and again.

He also is in love with Karl Barth and cites him numerous times. This shows incredibly poor spiritual discernment.

All in all, an awful read. Easily the worst book I had to read through this year. If I could give it 0 stars, I would.

[Devin Moncada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful book. Easy to understand and lots gained from it.

I am the reason this book exists because I have not given much thought to the importance of the ascension. But this book has helped me to see that Jesus is actively working. I tend to think of Jesus “having worked” (past tense) but it’s encouraging, helpful, and beautiful to see that he is working right now (present tense).

By “ascension,” Schreiner means more than the actual going up. That’s part of it. But He means Christ’s ongoing work that the ascension leads to. The ascension is Jesus not only going up to God and his throne but sitting and working from the throne.

I’m still not sure about some of the connections to Jesus’ ongoing role as a prophet—the connections seemed less explicit than Jesus’ ongoing role as priest and King. But, the chapter was still well argued. The chapter on Jesus as King was my favorite; there’s some power in it.

Looking forward to celebrating Ascension Day after Easter. (Finished the book just in time)

[Dylan Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Christ’s ascension and session needs better narrative and theological positioning. Without it, the story of Christ’s work is incomplete. Without it, other doctrines become misaligned. Without it, our good news is truncated. Without it, Christ is not declared Lord and Messiah. The Son of God did not come down to earth to stay. He arrived in order that he might return to glory, and then return again.”

[Mark Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Cale Fauver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book on the ascension and exaltation of Christ. What a neglected doctrine handled and explored so well!

[Hiram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

[Sean Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good book on an underated doctrine. I could have done without the movie analogies at the beginning of each chapter though.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ascension is a key plot moment, a hinge on which Christ’s work turns. It not only authorizes and endorses Jesus’ work, but continues Christ’s three roles.
“Christians have tended to focus their attention on what Jesus has done (his life, death and resurrection) and what he will do (return and reign).”1 Studies on what Christ is doing now or what happened after the resurrection are relatively rare.
On the dime of the ascension, the Bible transitions from the age of Jesus to the age of the church.
the ascended Lord and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to his people. The rest of the New Testament explains and encourages Christians in the way they can be continually filled with the Spirit. This can only happen because of Christ’s ascent.
it is important to recognize it is fundamentally a Trinitarian reality. In the ascension Jesus returned to the Father (John 16:28; 20:17), and they both bestowed the Spirit (Acts 2:33).
The ascension is cosmic (the reign of Jesus in the heavens), political (Jesus is Lord), and liturgical (the church enacts this movement in its rituals) in scope. Jesus’ rule over heaven and earth is the foundation for our witness on the earth. His lordship is what we call others to bow before. And the actions of the church mimic a descent-ascent pattern. We go underwater that we might be raised up. We suffer that we might be glorified. We sacrifice that we might be accepted. We bear one another’s burdens so that we might experience the presence of God. We go down with Christ that we might rise with him. Christ is our brother, and we follow him into fullness of life.
the biblical authors look at Christ’s work as a whole. They intentionally expand Christ’s prophetic work to both his earthly life and his continuing life in heaven.
The ascension thus marks the return of Jesus from our place to God’s place. In this sense, the ascension was the goal of the incarnation. In the incarnation, Jesus entered in the space-time continuum, while in the ascension Jesus transcended space and time “without ceasing to be man or without any diminishment of his physical, historical existence.”
The presence of the Spirit is the presence of Jesus.By ascending, Christ was not absent in the fullest sense.10 Rather, his presence is merely known in a different way. The ascent, in a real sense, did not represent the Messiah’s removal from the earth, but his constant presence on the earth. Farrow writes, “The ascended Lord is not everywhere … but he is everywhere accessible
The New Testament sometimes speaks of the Spirit as the Spirit of Jesus. It would therefore be imprecise to say Christ is no longer present after his ascent, but accurate to affirm Christ no longer resides bodily on the earth.
Jesus is therefore still active and present as the prophet, but not physically in the same sense. He is present by his Spirit and in and through his word.
Rather, the body of Christ begins in heaven and reaches earthward. As his word and Spirit fill them, Christians carry Christ on their lips and in their hands.
As John Chrysostom states: “Heaven has the holy body and earth received the Holy Spirit.”
The people of the seated prophet are filled with the Spirit, proclaim the word of Christ, and perform signs and wonders.
Priests went through cleansing rituals before entering God’s presence. In this ceremony, priests were ordained for their priestly service, and therefore we can rightly conclude Jesus’ baptism ordained him to his human priestly role.
Priests went through cleansing rituals before entering God’s presence. In this ceremony, priests were ordained for their priestly service, and therefore we can rightly conclude Jesus’ baptism ordained him to his human priestly role.
Not surprisingly, then, Jesus began his ministry at the age of thirty (Luke 3:23). Priests also began their ministry at this age (Num 4:3, 23, 30, 35, 39, 43, 47; 1 Chr 23:3).
We enjoy the benefits of the Father’s love and presence as Jesus does in heaven because we are united to Jesus.
However, in the Scriptures there are two advocates. Jesus Christ is also our advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). We therefore retain both an external (Jesus Christ) and internal (Holy Spirit) advocate.18 One advocates for us in heaven, the other from the earth. The Son advocates with the Father, while the Spirit transfers these benefits to our being.Jesus advocates and intercedes on our behalf. He is our petitioner in heaven. In Hebrews 2:11–13 we read more of what this lobbying looks like. Jesus says he voices our names; in the midst of the congregation he sings the praises of his people. Jesus unashamedly calls us brothers. At the right hand of the Father he tells God of the people he has ransomed. He shows God the twelve stones on his chest and advocates for them. He says, “Here I am, and the children God has given me” (Heb 2:13 NIV).This is a remarkable truth. At Jesus’ ascent, he sits at the right hand of the Father and advocates, mediates, and intercedes on behalf of his people. Jesus is not embarrassed by his people. He proudly represents his people as the God-Man before the Father. Like the priests of old, he wears you as jewels on his breastplate.
Priestly intercession had a goal: receiving blessings from the face of God and distributing that blessing to God’s people. In the Old Testament, as the high priest left the tent of meeting he lifted up his hands and blessed the people (Lev 9:22–23).
Jesus blesses us in a similar way as our high priest. Right before Jesus ascended in Luke, he lifted up his hands and blessed his people (Luke 24:50–51). In Luke, God’s blessing is regularly connected with his presence (Luke 1:42, 68–69; 2:28–32). Acts recounts that this blessing includes the Holy Spirit, and John 14:26–27 connects the gift of the Spirit with the high priest’s blessing in Numbers. Jesus affirmed that the Helper would teach the disciples all things. More specifically, Jesus identified this teaching as, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27).Jesus, as the great High Priest, is the new Aaron who extends his hands over the people and gives them peace through the Holy Spirit; his priestly blessing gifts the Spirit—the one who allows peace. Jesus not only gives the Aaronic blessing but fulfills it.19 “The great High Priest came and not only pronounced the benediction, but he became the benediction,” as Kelly Kapic puts it.20Torrance correctly connects the blessing with Pentecost: “Pentecost is the content and actualization of that high priestly blessing.
Some Puritans therefore spoke of the ascension in terms of military triumph corresponding to Roman triumphs. He demonstrated his victory both positively and negatively: he bound his enemies (sin, death, and Satan), and then distributed gifts (the Holy Spirit and officers of the church)
Jesus’ mission on the earth was to defeat the powers of darkness, pay for sin, and restore the right rule of his kingdom. However, if readers stop after his victory, the story is left incomplete.Jesus had to be installed as king; he had to be enthroned; he had to be recognized as king; he had to ascend to the right hand of the Father, sit on the throne, and receive from him all dominion and authority…Kings sit down and are installed in order to rule. Jesus acted as a king on the earth; now he reigns as the king in heaven. The ascension is about the triumph of the king.
As the true king, Jesus not only taught the law but embodied it.
Jesus was crucified on the allegation of kingship. The Gospels witness to the reality that Jesus came as the king. His mission was to set up his kingdom on the earth, but he did so through suffering and death. Through this sacrificial act he conquered the forces of darkness, forgave the sins of his people, and left an example for them to follow.
The Messiah’s ascension marks the enthronement of the king after he had died for his people and fought their battle. Now he would rule in a new way in all righteousness and justice.
Jesus’ kingly ascent had to transpire because the biblical story begins with a tragic descent. Adam and Eve were created on the mountain garden of Eden. They were made to be the royal family, to rule the earth and bring order as God has done. Their monarchial role is made explicit when the text says Adam and Eve were created in the image and likeness of God. The idea of image and likeness communicates two main ideas: kingship and sonship.In the ancient world, kings represented the image of God; they ruled on behalf of the gods. These ancient kings were characterized as images of the gods, and as living images they maintained or destroyed cosmic harmony. In the garden, Adam and Eve rebelled against their king and tried to snatch power for themselves. God therefore made them descend from the mountain to struggle and toil in their royal task.
Psalm 1 opens the Psalter by presenting a picture of the sage king who meditates on the Torah (Deut 17). Psalm 2 describes how God would set his king over the kings of the earth. Wisdom is exemplified in submitting to him.
Sitting means his work is done, but not that he is inactive. Rather, he sits as one who has conquered and will continue to exercise this rule.
From Daniel’s perspective, it was not a departure story, but an arrival story.5 In Acts it is a departure story. The ascent of the Son of Man bequeathed him with dominion, glory, and a kingdom. All nations were now to serve him. His rule will never pass away or be destroyed. The Son of Man ascended and now has received his inheritance. He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords.
Yes, Jesus’ cross, resurrection, and ascension were all part of his enthronement.
Jesus brought heaven and earth together, God’s plan from the beginning was to allow humans to reign with him. When they turned away from this plan under the influence of a dark spiritual being, God’s plan was to exalt them through his servant. At the ascension this plan became a reality.
Luke, He places his emphasis on the continued work of the risen Lord Jesus. Luke tells Theophilus that in his first book he wrote about what Jesus “began” to do and teach (Acts 1:1). The work of Jesus continues after his ascended state. Acts notes the revolution continues into the church after the life of Jesus.
Jesus’ authority in heaven is bequeathed to his servants on the earth. Whatever Christ has affirmed in heaven then becomes a reality in the church as it follows his will.
If Christ is king, then the church is called to be his kingdom—his royal family on the earth.
Jesus, in Matthew, bequeathed the authority he received on his disciples as they went out into the world (Matt 28:18–20).
Harmony and unity therefore are the reality and the goal now that Jesus has assumed the throne. This is why Paul says we are to speak the truth in love, to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ (Eph 4:15). The church is to come together under his reign of love and spread love to others. Growing up into the head means becoming more like him.
The church is strong in the Lord because it has a great conquering warrior as its king who dealt the decisive blow. (Eph 6:12, Col. 2:15)
Christ’s kingship is in heaven, and therefore the church’s royalty is hidden with him. Christians are to therefore “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Therefore, the church, as the royal family, lives as appointed to thrones, but also waiting for that glory to be realized.
If the ascension had not happened, then Christ would not be in heaven ruling. If the ascension had not happened, the church would not be an entity. If the ascension had not happened, then no human would ever rule with God. If the ascension had not happened, Christ would not have been installed as Lord. Because the ascension happened, Jesus’ royal authority is confirmed.Hold your breath. Jesus is the air to the kingdom.

[Parker James Lipetska · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 This book brings to light the important but often forgotten doctrine of the ascension. Schreiner walks through how the ascension affects Christ’s offices of Prophet, Priest, and King.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short work on the importance of recovering what has often been an overlooked and underappreciated doctrine: the ascension of Christ. The author does a good job of highlighting the ascension's effect on Christ's threefold office of prophet, priest, and king. Rather than undoing or completing these functions, the ascension teaches that Christ continues in these roles, albeit in a different, but equally (if not more) important way. My personal opinion is that the book's strength is the first and final chapters, which give a sufficient overview of the author's case. The intervening chapters, as one would expect, are where the author provides details his thesis.

[Kenson Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The apostle Paul writes to the Colossians: seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Col. 3: 1b ESV). Although it is true that the text is not referring to the ascension in a direct way, there is an implicit sense of such teaching in this pauline expression. Jesus ascended. A doctrine that we affirm, but that at the same time we ignore.

The age in which we live seems to be full of many complex situations down here, but above, things are better and glorious. And soon as it is above it will be here. The doctrine of the ascension of Jesus Christ reminds us that although the world seems to be going from bad to worse, there is hope for restoration.

Dr. Schreiner, proposes in his new book "The Ascension of Christ: Recovering a Neglected Doctrine" a direct, comforting and profound approach to a very important doctrine, the ascension of Jesus Christ, which has been relegated to being a complement of the resurrection. Few books I have read specifically on this subject, possibly because it is assumed that Jesus ascended and it is not necessary to delve further into the matter.

However, Dr. Patrick gives an excellent presentation on the ascension of Jesus Christ, using a very enjoyable style but without ceasing to be profound. The book is not intended to be totally technical but to show the relevance and richness of this doctrine. The author writes: “My goal is to help people think through this piece of the Jesus event and impress its importance. I will do so not by tracing the whole story of the Scriptures, but by examining this event from the perspective of the threefold office of the Messiah: prophet, priest, and king (munus triplex)”[1]

Indeed, the work addresses the three offices of Jesus Christ and their intrinsic relationship with the doctrine of the ascension. There are five chapters that lead us to many applications and to the conclusion: I have to know this doctrine much more. The last chapter invites us to theological reflection according to the ascension of Jesus.

Personally I found chapter two very interesting, where it talks about the Ascension of the prophet, many ideas were clarified on how the prophetic office of Jesus becomes even broader through the ascension.

Those involved in biblical theology studies will find a valuable contribution to their studies in this book. Teachers or pastors who want to teach a series of studies on this doctrine will also benefit. It is an accessible and theologically sound work.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

As summer comes to a close, I have felt a bit hopeless with everything going on in the world. But after reading this book, I have found solid truth to sustain me. In The Ascension of Christ, Patrick Schreiner helps us recover this neglected doctrine, and provides a view of Christ to a world in need of hope.

Cosmic, Political, and Liturgical

In just over 100 pages, Schreiner contributes to Lexham Press’ Snapshots Series which seeks to engage significant themes in contemporary Biblical and theological scholarship, making them accessible and applicable. It is a refreshing and fast-paced read with quality content that is Christ-exalting.

After revealing 5 reasons why the ascension is neglected as well as 5 reasons why we should not neglect the ascension, Schreiner states that the ascension is cosmic (the reign of Jesus in the heavens), political (Jesus is Lord), and liturgical (the church enacts this movement in its rituals). This type of clarity and profundity is written throughout the book.

Prophet, Priest, and King

Schreiner uses his chapters to present Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King. While this might be familiar territory, Schreiner was able to reveal Christ and expound him in all of these capacities. He uses Old Testament examples and shows their ultimate fulfillment and culmination in Christ.

While these themes are deeply theological, Schreiner uses popular movies to help us understand them. The movie Hook is used for Prophet, The Lord of the Rings for Priest, and The Lion King for King. Key Biblical texts are explained throughout the text, and Schreiner is quick to show how their truths should impact our lives and the life of the church.

New Hope and Confidence

The book ends with a look at the ascension in theology, examining the Trinity, the incarnation, the cross, the resurrection, eschatology, and theological grammar. It served as a capstone chapter to show how the ascension permeates and resonates throughout the life of Christ. This book has given me new hope and confidence in the work of Christ and his glorious ascension. Open your eyes, look up, and see.

I received a media copy of The Ascension of Christ and this is my honest review.

[Ethan Maners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among some of the more stranger stories in the Bible is the story of Christ's ascension into heaven. If you are like me, then you share the disciples' bewilderment in this scene. And just as the disciples are ushered along by the angels so too teachers and preachers today quickly move their listeners to the following story. After all, who doesn't enjoy the account of the upper room or Pentecost?

Enter this book: in just a little over 100 pages, Patrick Schreiner offers a clear argument for the importance and necessity of ascension theology. Though the ascension takes up very little space by way of verse-count, he begins by demonstrating its anticipation within the OT and the gospel narratives. His conclusion: this is by no means a random miracle (not that you should think that there are such things). I found this helpful, but I bet that most readers will find the next 3 chapters are worth the price of the book alone. These show how the ascension authorizes, endorses, and shifts each office of Christ: Jesus as Prophet, Jesus as Priest, and Jesus as King. Without the ascension, Jesus necessarily falls short in each role.

So what does this mean for us, the Church? A whole lot! Schreiner explains that as each office is reoriented towards the Church post-ascension, the means and mission of the Church become even clearer, especially as they appear in scripture. Think 1080HD to 4K. This is where ascension theology answers the question: why should the average Joe know about this? Because, Joe, your Lord Jesus is now on the throne and there is a lot of work to do before His return.

So who is this book for? A lot of people, actually: those interested in the subject matter, small groups, Sunday school classes, Bible students, or a week's reading assignment for a seminary class. The material is widely accessible even though quotes from higher-level thinkers like Karl Barth make an appearance.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. This arrangement did not influence my rating of the book or the comments made herein.

[Jacob Schwander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick draws us into a quick study of a doctrine that is often misunderstood or ignored. We are all concerned with what Christ accomplished on earth and what he commissioned us to accomplish on earth. We often forget the severity of who our King is and how He approached His mission and ministry. The material in this book was deeply edifying and engaging to me as a theological junkie. 'The Ascension' elevates so much of scripture and typology. The way it's traced through the bible is pretty awesome. Seeing the preexisting examples and foreshadowing in the Old Testament was also really insightful. However, this just underscores the need to teach ascension as a matter of necessity.

This quote says it all: “The ascent not only authorizes, but amplifies and multiplies his prophetic work. Because of the ascension, Christ sent the Spirit, continues to inspire his word, and fills and equips his church to perform his signs as his body on the earth. In all of these ways, Jesus birthed, builds, and grows his church as the ascended prophet. The Messiah’s ascension is not something that can be subtly pushed to the side as if it does not matter; it was the exaltation and continuation of Christ’s prophetic work.”

It's a well-written and easy-to-read book. In the future, I will revisit whenever I need to discuss it with others or I want to fully comprehend Christ's ascension. It is a fine book. This is an amazing theological topic we often overlook!

[Sean Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good popular-level introduction to the doctrine of the ascension (and the session) of Christ–including an explanation about why we should care about it! Schreiner uses the offices of prophet, priest and king to structure his analysis, and I thought that was a very clever approach. He says (and I think I agree) that the kingly aspect of Christ's reign is the dominant one, controlling the priestly and prophetic ones.

Schreiner also helpfully connects each of these aspects of Christ's heavenly rule to the church's earthly pilgrimage. These aren't just realities that we should be informed about, but ones that we participate in by our communion with Christ.

(I must insist, however, that 1 Corinthians 15:25 is not a prooftext for the proposition that Christ will return to defeat all his enemies: That passage teaches that he will come, having already destroyed every enemy in the course of his reign, to defeat that last enemy, Death itself.)

[Rob Sumrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brief work by Patrick Schreiner (son of Tom Schreineer) offers a helpful and needed look at the ascension of Christ. Much has been written on Jesus' death and resurrection. Far less has been written about his ascension. In fairness, Scripture speaks more on Christ's life, death, and resurrection than it does about his ascension; yet, there is a tremendous vacuum of literature that leads people to think deeply about what it means for Christ to have ascended.

Schreiner lays out his work by examining the ascension through the perspective of the threefold office of the Messiah: prophet, priest, and king. The Ascension of Christ led me to appreciate the work of Christ in a deeper way. In the final chapter, Schreiner interacts with other areas of theology, showing how rightly understanding and appreciating the ascension helps us to have a more robust love for Christ and understanding of other theological disciplines.

[Samuel G. Parkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful little study on Christ’s ascension, and how his threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King is fulfilled uniquely at the right hand of the Father. Schreiner writes with pastoral clarity and heart, which makes this book deeply edifying and readable. We are reminded in this book that without the ascension of Christ, the gospel is incomplete. Another particularly strong feature of this book is its chapter, in which Schreiner considers the ascension in systematic perspective, relating the doctrine to sundry other doctrines. I commend this book heartily, and pray it contributes to many more churches observing Ascension Sunday in their liturgical calendars.

*I received this book from Lexham Press, though I wasn’t expected to leave a positive review.