What is the difference between ascension and assumption?

[Holly3278]

Hi everyone. We all know that Jesus ascended in to Heaven while Mary was assumed in to Heaven. But honestly, I am not sure I understand the difference between the two. Would someone care to explain?

 

[mariakatherine]

Okay, this is probably going to be overly simplistic and poorly constructed, but ‘to ascend’ means ‘to go up,’ while ‘to assume’ means ‘to be taken up.’ Obviously God alone can actively ascend into Heaven. Mary, on the other hand, was assumed, or taken up, into Heaven by God, and not through her own power. Hope that helps at least a little…

 

[Erin_Anne]

Jesus’ Ascension would be his elevation into heaven by His own power.

Mary’s Assumption into Heaven would be not by her own power, but by God’s as she was fully Human.

 

[DavidFilmer]

This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father." (John 10:17-18)

No one else has this power. That is the difference.

 

[FightingFat]

Jesus’ Ascension would be his elevation into heaven by His own power.

Mary’s Assumption into Heaven would be not by her own power, but by God’s as she was fully Human.

This is my understanding also, one would ascend by one’s own power whereas one would be assumed by someone else’s power.