What is the difference between Jesus' Ascension and Mary's Assumption?

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There is a huge difference in the Church's teaching about Jesus' Ascension and Mary's Assumption. The biggest difference is that Jesus raised himself up. The Assumption of Mary was carried out by Jesus. Jesus lifted Mary up. Jesus was her personal Saviour. The doctrine of Mary's Assumption states that Mary:

"...having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory." Pope Pius XII, 1950

This clearly shows that Mary did not raise herself up. Yes, she needed a Saviour. The founder of the reform, Martin Luther said "There can be no doubt that the Virgin Mary is in Heaven. How it happened we do not know." (Martin Luther's Works, vol 10, pg 268)

Now some Evangelicals say "see the Catholics made this stuff up this century." In the section on Mary and the early Church there are quotes of early Church fathers. Catholics have no trouble believing Mary is in Heaven and that her Son Jesus brought her there. They think Jesus is quite capable of bringing Mary into Heaven. This belief of Catholics dates back to at least the 6th century. There were also feasts in memory of Mary in Antioch dating back to 380 A.D.

In 451, when the bishops gathered at Constantinople, Emperor Marcian asked the Patriarch of Jerusalem to bring the relics (bones) of Mary to Constantinople, from Jerusalem. The patriarch explained that there were no relics of Mary, that "Mary had died in the presence of the apostles; but her tomb, when opened later...was found empty...the apostles concluded that the body was taken up to heaven." John of Damascene,PG(96:1)(A.D. 747-751)

The doctrine of the Assumption stands on the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. If Mary was preserved from sin, at the instance of her conception, it follows that she would be preserved from the effects of sin, deterioration of the body after death. Perhaps at the instance of her death. Catholics believe it is Jesus who did this for her.

On the cross, Jesus says to the poor thief, "This day you will be with me in Paradise!" (Lk. 23:43) Catholics feel that if Jesus would take the thief to Paradise he would also take his beloved faithful mother.

Conclusion

So there it the 'big stuff' about Mary. The stuff that irks Evangelicals. I am not an apologist. There is much more that could be said here in defense of these doctrines (see my links page for a list of apologetics who love to do that kind of thing). This article is intended to be a sketch of why the Church believes what it believes about Mary. Apart from all this doctrine and stuff, the reason I believe that Mary is in heaven helping us is because I had an experience with Mary that I cannot refute. No one can tell me she is dead. To me she is as plain as day. She is a friend who prays for me and she has shown me very cool things about her Son, Jesus. I believe I am a better Christian today because of Mary.

If you are afraid to talk to Mary, I invite you to Pray to Jesus about Mary. I'm sure any Evangelical would say it is perfectly safe to pray to Jesus about anything. Ask Jesus what's up with Mary. Give him time to respond. I pray you have the same experience that has led to my powerful convictions about the validity of Mary as a helper for the helpless, and a great prayer warrior.

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What is the difference between Jesus' Ascension and Mary's Assumption?

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