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96 • Part I. The Creed: The Faith Professed
THE ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN
The Paschal Mystery culminates in the Ascension of Jesus. After his
appearance here on earth in his risen body, and “after giving instructions
through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen” (Acts 1:2),
Jesus “was lifted up and a cloud took him from their sight” (Acts 1:9):
1. How was Jesus able to save all of us?
No man, not even the holiest, was ever able to take on him-
self the sins of all men and offer himself as a sacrifice for all.
The existence in Christ of the divine person of the Son, who
at once surpasses and embraces all human persons and
constitutes himself as Head of all mankind, makes possible
his redemptive sacrifice for all. (CCC, no. 616)
2. Why did Jesus die on the Cross?
Jesus came “to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28). By
his loving obedience to the Father, he fulfilled the atoning mission
of the suffering Servant, “he was pierced for our offenses, crushed
for our sins . . . by his stripes we were healed” (Is 53:5) (cf. CCC, nos.
599-618).
3. How is Christ’s Resurrection a work of the Trinity?
The three divine persons act together as one. . . . The
Father’s power “raised up” Christ his Son. . . . Jesus is con-
clusively revealed as “Son of God in power according to
the Spirit of holiness by his Resurrection from the dead.”
(CCC, no. 648, citing Rom 1:3-4)
As for the Son, he effects his own Resurrection by virtue
of his divine power. . . . he affirms explicitly: “I lay down
my life, that I may take it again.” (CCC, no. 649, citing Jn
10:17-18)
FROM THE CATECHISM