Re: Apotheosis vs Ascension vs Deify vs ??

On Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:31:07 +0800, "Mr. Man-wai Chang"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
>Are they very different?
>
>Is Jesus Christ an ascension or an apotheosis? :)

Yes, they differ both linguistically and theologically. 

To ascend means to rise, either literally (move physically further
from the centre of the earth) or metaphorically, it rise to a higher
position.

Apotheosis means to become divine, godly or godlike.

In Christian theology, and linguistically in descriptions, it means
the former. 

The New Testament description uses the Greek word "porevome" which
means to go away, to rise, to go up. And it is nothing like
apotheosis. 

If you want to discuss it linguistically, carry on.

If you want to discuss it theologically, rather go to another NG for
theological discussions, but I will give you a little clue:\

In Christian theology, the ascension of Jesus was not an apotheosis
for Jesus, because in Christian theology was already divine before he
descended. 

But it does imply apotheosis for his followers, as expressed in
Christian hymns on the topic:

Thou hast raised our human nature
In the clouds to God's right hand;
There we sit in heavenly places,
There with Him in glory stand;
Jesus reigns, adored by angels,
Man with God is on the throne;
Mighty Lord, in Thine ascension
We by faith behold our own.

<https://hymnary.org/hymn/HPAG1933/173>


-- 
Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
Web:  http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
Blog: http://methodius.blogspot.com
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk