Jesus’ Ascension: A Neglected Nicene Doctrine Challenges Calvin’s Teaching

Presenter Information

Robert Mayes, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Beemer, NEFollow

Start Date

17-9-2025 2:00 PM

End Date

17-9-2025 2:45 PM

Keywords

calvin, ascension, heaven, Lord's Supper, lutheran, sacrament, fish, nicaea

Description

Though Jesus’ ascension into heaven is found in the Nicene and early creeds, it has not received much attention among Lutherans. Nonetheless, the ascension is an important part of John Calvin’s Christology and theology of the Lord’s Supper. Calvin challenged the Lutheran teaching of the real presence partly based on how he understood Jesus’ ascension. In order to help Lutherans and others rebut Calvin’s claims, a deeper Scriptural examination of the teaching of the ascension will be made. It will be shown that Calvin’s sacramental teaching has misunderstood Jesus’ ascension, and that even this neglected creedal doctrine supports the Lutheran teaching.

Submission Type

Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep

Scripture References in this Resource (separated by semi-colons)

Acts 1:6–11; Luke 24:49–53; Mark 16:19–20; Acts 3:21; Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 4:8, 10; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 11:26; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8; Matthew 18:20; Matthew 28:20; Romans 10:6; Matthew 15:32–38; Mark 8:1–9; Matthew 16:9–11; John 6:11; John 20:17; Luke 24:30; Luke 24:44;

Submission Audience

Laity; Ministers; Scholars

Submission Cost

Free