Jesus Ascended: The Meaning of Christ's Continuing Incarnation

(Paperback)

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The book presents the Ascension as public truth, examining questions such as when did Jesus ascend - and how, where did he go, with what kind of body and into what kind of space It discusses the nature of Jesus' victory, how it has been challenged, how it has been understood at different times in history, and how it relates to his second coming. The author examines the relevance of the doctrine for personal spiritual life: our union with Christ, Jesus praying for us, worship, and our own prayers. He goes on to consider living in God's kingdom, the tension between waiting for the kingdom and working for it now, suffering, humanisation, and the church and the world today. The book approaches the Ascension thematically, making it a useful teaching tool. Its themes arise from the categories in which the Church Fathers employed the doctrine. Gerrit Dawson shows the Ascension to be a vital key to understanding in a fresh way the person and work of Christ, union with Christ, the mission of the church in the world, Christian Identity and spiritual theology. A unique feature of the book is the way Dawson combines a full presentation of Nicene trinitarian Christology with its application to

Reviews

"A very helpful book... any minsiter stuck for how to teach the ascension will find much help here. I heartily commend it" Matthew Sleeman, Churchman -- Matthew Sleeman
'This book is a welcome addition to the study of a neglected doctrine...Dawson's pastoral concern combined with his scholarly research makes this book suitable for a wide audience...For those of us studying the doctrine of the ascension in an academic setting, it is particularly refreshing to see the gulf between pastor and scholar being bridged.' Sandra Fach, King's College, London, International Journal of Systematic Theology -- Sandra Fach, King's College, London, International Journal of Systematic Theology Oct 2005
'...Dawson's case for the importance of the theology is convincing...what makes the book really special is the way that Dawson proceeds to work out the theology pastorally...Dawson is that rare thing, a true pastor-theologian. We need more of them. Read this book for the theology and apply it in your church.' Volume 22, Number 3 -- Steve Wilmshurst * ANVIL *
"This is an extremely lucid and readable book on a central Christian doctrine that is as profoundly important theologically as it has been quietly sidelined both by preachers and theologians! With admirable openness and straightforwardness, the author articulates the reasons why discussion of the ascension is so often avoided and addresses these with historically informed and, indeed, deep-thinking theological insight. This allows him to go on to demonstrate why the doctrine, rather than being shied away from, stands to be embraced as definitive of the Good News from which the Christian faith lives. This is a truly outstanding book for students, pastors and thinking Christians alike. I could not recommend it more enthusiastically!" Alan Torrance * Blurb from reviewer *
"One of the delights of [Dawson's] book is the way in which he brings out the extensive treatment which the ascension received in the Church fathers and in the writings of the magisterial Reformers. This is an important book on a neglected subject, which will be all the more valuable for being written in a conversational style, fully accessible to the non-specialist. It serves the needs of student and pastor alike, and should certainly find an honoured place in every preacher's bookcase." - Themelios, October 2005 * Themelios *

Author Bio

Gerit Dawson is Minister of First Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge,Louisiana. Gerrit Dawson is Minister of First Presbyterian Church, Lenoir, North Carolina.