Expert: Rev. Robert Woods - 12/2/2007

Question
Is it possible that Jesus ascended into heaven more than the Acts 1 that we generally accept?  In John's gospel,  on Resurrection morning, He tells Mary to not touch Him because He had not ascended unto the Father.  In Luke 24,  on Monday after His resurrection, He ascends into heaven after walking with the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus.  Are these three possible ascensions of Jesus?

Answer
Blessings and thank you for your question.

You are correct that Jesus went up to heaven after his resurrection and after the road to Emmaus.  However, the “ascension” itself refers to the last time he went up to heaven.  

Ascension of Christ, The
•     Prophecies respecting Ps. 24:7; 68:18; Eph. 4:7,8
•     Foretold by himself Jn. 6:62; 7:33; 14:28; 16:5; 20:17
•     Forty days after his resurrection Acts 1:3
•     Described Acts 1:9
•     From Mount Olivet Lk. 24:50; Mk. 11:1; Acts 1:12
•     While blessing his disciples Lk. 24:50
•     When he had atoned for sin Heb. 9:12; 10:12
•     Was triumphant Ps. 68:18
•     Was to supreme power and dignity Lk. 24:26; Eph. 1:20,21; 1 Pet. 3:22
•     As the forerunner of his people Heb. 6:20
•     To intercede Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24
•     To send the Holy Spirit Jn. 16:7; Acts 2:33
•     To receive gifts for men Ps. 68:18; Eph. 4:8, 11
•     To prepare a place for his people Jn. 14:2
•     His second coming shall be in like manner as Acts 1:10,11
•     Typified Lev. 16:15; Heb. 6:20; 9:7, 9, 12