Listen to sermons at FreeGraceRadio.com

 

 

 

 

ÒWhen He Ascended Up on HighÓ

Ephesians 4:7-8

 

Here the Apostle Paul expounds to us the meaning of DavidÕs words in Psalm 68:18-20. There David made this prophetic declaration of ChristÕs resurrection, ascension, and glory as our Substitute.

 

Christ Ascension

ÒThou hast ascended on high.Ó — Having accomplished all that he came here to accomplish, having redeemed his elect from all sin, having brought in everlasting righteousness for us, when he had made an end of sin, having obtained eternal redemption for us, the Lord Jesus took his seat in glory by the merit of His own blood as our Mediator.

 

Captivity Captive

ÒThou hast led captivity captive.Ó — We do not have to guess what this means. The Apostle Paul tells us that our all-glorious Christ, Òblotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us,Étook it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in itÓ (Colossians 2:14-15). The Son of God took every enemy of our souls into captivity. That includes Satan (Revelation 20:1-3).

 

Gifts for Men

ÒThou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.Ó — The ascended Christ, who entered into heaven as the Forerunner of his redeemed, received gifts for us? What gifts? — All the gifts of grace, righteousness, and salvation for men, even for us rebels Òwho were by nature children of wrath even as others,Ó that God the Holy Spirit might come down here and dwell in our hearts in grace (John 16:7-11) and that the Holy Lord God might dwell among us forever in the world to come.

 

Daily Loading

As the result of this, he daily loads us with the benefits of grace. — ÒBlessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. — Selah.Ó — Just think about that! — He daily loads us with mercy and grace, forgiveness and righteousness, access to God and all divine promises, with refuge for our souls and peace, all the blessings and blessedness of GodÕs wonderful providence, day by day, throughout every day. — Rejoice, O my soul, rejoice!

 

Our God

ÒHe that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.Ó — He who is our God, he alone and none but he, this holy Lord God, Jesus Christ our almighty, effectual Savior, he is the God of salvation. To Him and to him alone belong the issues from his death. — That is to say, all the fruits, benefits, and blessings issuing from his death as our Substitute are his to give; and he gives them freely to whom he will.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor FortnerÕs

 

Audio Sermons

Video Sermons

Books

Itinerary