The disciples no longer had any distrust about the future. They knew that Jesus was in heaven and that His sympathies were still with them. They knew that they had a friend at the throne of God, and they were eager to present their requests in the name of Jesus. In awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. ... Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23, 24. And Pentecost brought them fullness of joy when the Comforter came to be with them, as Christ had promised.HH 381.6

All heaven was waiting to welcome the Savior. As He ascended, He led the way, and the multitude of captives set free at His resurrection followed. As they approached the city of God, the escorting angels gave the challenge—HH 381.7

Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
HH 382.1

Joyfully the angels waiting at the gates responded—HH 382.2

Who is this King of glory?HH 382.3

They said this, not because they did not know who He was, but because they wanted to hear the answer of exalted praise—HH 382.4

The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Psalm 24:7-9HH 382.5

Then the gates of the city of God were opened wide, and the angel throng swept through the gates in a burst of ecstatic music. The commanders of the angel hosts and the sons of God representing unfallen worlds were assembled to welcome the Redeemer and to celebrate His triumph.HH 382.6

But He waved them back—not yet. He entered into the presence of His Father. He pointed to His wounded head, His pierced side, His marred feet; He lifted His hands bearing the print of nails. He presented those raised with Him as representatives of that great number who will come from the grave at His second coming. Before the earth was created, Father and Son had clasped hands in a solemn pledge that Christ would become the Redeemer for the human race. When Christ on the cross cried out, “It is finished,” He addressed the Father. The agreement had been fully carried out. Now He declared, “Father, I have completed the work of redemption.” “I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am.” John 17:24.HH 382.7

The voice of God proclaimed that justice was satisfied, that Satan was vanquished. Christ’s toiling, struggling ones on earth were “accepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:6. The Father’s arms encircled His Son, and He gave the word, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” Hebrews 1:6.HH 382.8

Heaven seemed to overflow with joy and praise. Love had conquered! The lost was found! Heaven rang with voices in lofty tones proclaiming,HH 382.9

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
Revelation 5:13HH 382.10

From that scene of heavenly joy, there comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ’s words, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.” John 20:17. The family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord ascended, and for us He lives! “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25.HH 382.11

Received by Chariots of Angels