honor, and strength (4:2, 9–10). Between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, John sees a slain Lamb standing (5:6). The Lamb is with God and is worshiped in the throne room (5:13).11 Although the ascension is rarely mentioned in explicit terms, the New Testament assumes its central place. All of the authors write in response to, and work backward from, the ascension. The ascension revealed the Messiah’s exaltation and triumph, finished his work on the earth, guaranteed