Book review: The Ascension of Christ
- Marc Lloyd
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
Ed Moll, Latimer Trust 2025 - Christian Doctrine series 7
Dr Ed Moll (an English Vicar) begins this helpful study of an important doctrine by suggesting some reasons why the ascension may have been neglected, perhaps especially by his conservative evangelical tribe. He argues that though we might be committed to expository preaching, we need a good systematic theology too, and later in the book he will give some suggestions on how one might teach on the ascension even if it is not ‘the main point’ of many of the units one is expounding.
The explicit and implicit New Testament witness to the ascension is surveyed (paying attention to the relationship between the resurrection and the ascension, and the ongoing work of Christ and that of the Spirit). Usefully, ten propositions are given by way of summary and conclusion (49–51).
Moll writes with concision and clarity. This series is intended for ordinary church goers without assuming prior knowledge. Some may find discussion of the Lutheran view of the communication of properties between Christ’s natures, the supposed ubiquity of his flesh, and the so called Extra Calvinisticum a little technical, though explanation is given.
Moll discusses the ascension in The Book of Common Prayer, The Ordinal and the Thirty-nine Articles, including its relationship to the presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper.
Moll points out that Jesus’ ascension was not his retirement nor was it a reversal of the incarnation. He draws out some doctrinal and pastoral connections for Trinity, Christology, incarnation, anthropology, cosmology, worship, prayer, mission and preaching.
Preachers will particularly welcome the appendix of suggested illustrations. Ideas for further reading are also given.
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