Ascend Into Heaven
Psalms 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, [for] the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell [among them].
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Acts 1:9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Eph 4:7-8 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men."
Key Points:
- The New Testament applies this verse to the risen Christ.
- Leading captives bearing spoils was a common picture in the ancient world according to archaeology.
- This was the greatest victory ever.
- Jesus said that He must ascend to the Father.
- "Led captivity captive" speaks of victory as in the song of Deborah.
- Leading captivity captive speaks of the utter defeat of captivity.
- Any enemy who holds God’s people captive has been led captive.
- In relation to the Messiah, Christ has triumphed over, and bound forever, Satan, sin, and death, which once held man captive. (Col 2:15; 1 Cor 15:54).
- Gifts speak of that which was won from the conquered enemies, the spoils of war.
- The gifts won by Christ's victory over the powers of evil are distributed to His people.
- "From the rebellious" speaks in a preliminary sense of David’s enemies and in a greater and secondary sense to all of Christ’s enemies who become objects of punishment.
- "That the LORD God might dwell there" is a clear reference to the indwelling of God within His Temple, which are His people.
- Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9).
- Mount Zion is the earthly type of the heavenly mount.
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The Messiah will Ascend into Heaven Leading Captives Bearing Gifts.
Psalm 68:18 You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive; you have received gifts among men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God might dwell there.
Acts 1:9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Eph 4:7-8 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men."
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