God the Son, Student Workbook, SW10

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G O D T H E S O N

Following His resurrection from the tomb and ascension to the heavenly realm, Christ took His seat at the Father’s right hand. Theologians call this “the session” of Christ. Of course, the biblical phrase, “right hand of God,” is a human way of referring to God’s universal dominion and power. In Eastern cultures the right hand of the sovereign was a position of honor and authority. So when the Bible says Christ is at God’s right hand we know, as Calvin put it, that Christ is “installed in the government of heaven and earth” because the statement, “Christ is seated at God’s side” is not suggesting that Jesus is resting from His labor. Rather it points to Christ’s reign as King and His exercise of divine power over everyone and everything. ~ Bruce A. Demarest, Jesus Christ: The God-Man . Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 1978, p. 125.

d. Eph. 1.20-22

e. Heb. 10.12

f. 1 Pet. 3.22

g. Rev. 3.21

h. Rev. 22.1

C. Theological implications of the ascension of Jesus Christ

1. Jesus has been given an exalted place of distinction, authority, and honor before God: he is the Head over all things, Head of the Church.

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a. As the body of Christ, Eph. 1.20-23

b. As the army of God, Matt. 28.18-20

c. As Lord of the Harvest, Matt. 9.35-38

2. Jesus ever lives to fulfill his high priestly role of intercession for us.

a. His high priestly prayer, John 17