The Messiah will Ascend into Heaven

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."

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.

Messianic Prophecy Audio Series with Shahar from Jerusalem

Ascend Into Heaven - Psalm 68:18 - (MP3 File) (from the Hebrew perspective)

Conclusion