William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Mark 16:19 - 16:19

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Mark 16:19 - 16:19


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Here we have the grand article of our Christian faith asserted, namely, our Saviour's ascension into heaven, together with his exaltation there, expressed by his sitting at God's right hand; he ascended now to heaven in his human nature, for in his divine nture he was there already; and it was necessary that he should thus ascend, in order to his own personal exaltation and glorification.

When he was on earth, his humility, patience, and self-denial, were exercised by undergoing God's wrath, the devil's rage, and man's cruelty; now he goes to heaven, that they may be rewarded; he that is a patient sufferer upon earth, shall be a triumphant conqueror in heaven; also with respect to his church on earth, it was necessary that our Lord should ascend up into heaven, namely, to send down the Holy Spirit upon his apostles, which he did at the feast of Penticost. "If I go not away, says Christ, the Comforter will not come; but if I depart, I will send him unto you;" and likewise to be a powerful advocate and intercessor with his Father in heaven; on the behalf of his church and children here upon earth. Christ is entered into heaven itself, there to appear in the presence of God for us Heb_9:24.

Finally, Christ ascended into heaven, to give us an assurance, that in due time we should ascend after him, I go to prepare a place for you Joh_14:2.

Hence, the apostle calls our Saviour, our forerunner Heb_6:20. Now if Christ in his ascension, was a forerunner, then there are some to follow after.

To the same purpose is that expression of the apostle, He hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Eph_2:6; that is, we are already sat down in him, and ere long, shall sit down by him as his members. The only way to this, namely, to ascend unto, and sit down with, Christ in heaven, is to live like him, and to live unto him, here on earth: If any man love me, he will follow me, and where I am, there shall also my servant be Joh_12:26.