The Four Pillars of Redemption

• If Jesus had only come to the earth (incarnation) but did not die on the cross for our sins (crucifixion); we would not be saved. 
• If Jesus had only died on the cross for our sins (crucifixion) but He did no rise from the dead on the third day (resurrection); we would not be saved. 
• If Jesus had only raised from the dead on the third day (resurrection) but He did not ascend into heaven (ascension); we would not be saved.

J. Oswald Sanders, in his book, “The Incomparable Christ” stated it this way:

"An ascension such as the gospels record was essential for a number of reasons…His redemptive work required such a consummation. Without it, it would have remained incomplete for it rests on four pillars —incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The ascension was a complete and final demonstration that His atonement had forever solved the problem created by man's sin and rebellion. Only thus could He be constituted Head of the church (Ephesians 1:19-23)."