The Ascension of Christ: Recovering a Neglected Doctrine

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.

120 pages

Patrick Schreiner is one of contemporary Christian scholarship’s brightest lights. In this book, Schreiner expertly explains the crucial and neglected place of the ascension—not only in the biblical story, but in the story of each believer as well. This book will show you how Jesus’ present place in heaven can upend your life on earth now, for the better.

–Russell Moore, president, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention

The ascension is one of the most important Christian doctrines there is, but it is also one of the most neglected. In a short book full of helpful insights and illustrations, Patrick Schreiner shows us what it is, why it matters, and why it is not just necessary but delightful.

–Andrew Wilson, teaching pastor, King's Church London

This insightful and eminently readable treatment of the doctrine by Patrick Schreiner does much to bring Christ’s current heavenly reign back into the limelight where it belongs. The Ascension of Christ will bring fresh insights and a deeper understanding regarding this important event in Jesus’s saving work.

–Matthew Emerson, associate professor, Oklahoma Baptist University

In very short space, Schreiner provides a remarkably comprehensive and clear analysis of the ascension. He writes with humor, warmth, and theological precision. This book is without doubt one of the best works that has been written on the ascension.

–Peter Orr, lecturer, Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia

Schreiner provides an insightful, pithy, and accessible introduction to the topic, particularly demonstrating its significance for Christ's threefold office of prophet, priest, and king.

–Gavin Ortlund, senior pastor, First Baptist Church of Ojai, California

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