- 120 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1683593979
- Lexham Press
The apostle Paul writes to the Colossians: seek the things that are
above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Col. 3: 1b ESV). Although it
is true that the text is not referring to the ascension in a direct way, there
is an implicit sense of such teaching in this pauline expression. Jesus
ascended. A doctrine that we affirm, but that at the same time we ignore.
The age in which we live seems to be full of many complex situations
down here, but above, things are better and glorious. And soon as it is above
it will be here. The doctrine of the ascension of Jesus Christ reminds us that
although the world seems to be going from bad to worse, there is hope for
restoration.
Dr. Schreiner, proposes in his new book "The Ascension
of Christ: Recovering a Neglected Doctrine" a direct, comforting and
profound approach to a very important doctrine, the ascension of Jesus Christ,
which has been relegated to being a complement of the resurrection. Few books I
have read specifically on this subject, possibly because it is assumed that
Jesus ascended and it is not necessary to delve further into the matter.
However, Dr. Patrick gives an excellent presentation on the
ascension of Jesus Christ, using a very enjoyable style but without ceasing to
be profound. The book is not intended to be totally technical but to show the
relevance and richness of this doctrine. The author writes: “My goal is to help people think through this piece of the Jesus event
and impress its importance. I will do so not by tracing the whole story of the
Scriptures, but by examining this event from the perspective of the threefold
office of the Messiah: prophet, priest, and king (munus triplex)”[1]
Indeed, the work addresses the three offices
of Jesus Christ and their intrinsic relationship with the doctrine of the
ascension. There are five chapters that lead us to many applications and to the
conclusion: I have to know this doctrine much more. The last chapter invites us
to theological reflection according to the ascension of Jesus.
Personally I found chapter two very
interesting, where it talks about the Ascension of the prophet, many ideas were
clarified on how the prophetic office of Jesus becomes even broader through the
ascension.
Those involved in biblical theology studies
will find a valuable contribution to their studies in this book. Teachers or
pastors who want to teach a series of studies on this doctrine will also
benefit. It is an accessible and theologically sound work.
You can get the book on Amazon or Lexham Press
[1]
Schreiner, P. (2020). The Ascension of
Christ: Recovering a Neglected Doctrine. (M. F. Bird, Ed.) (pp.
xiii–xiv). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
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