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God the Son – Exaltation

Introduction

In order to redeem us, Jesus, the God-man, did not always and fully use His divine rights or powers (humiliation), but when He said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30), He was declaring that the work of redemption was complete. When Jesus had completed this work, He was exalted.

  1. How was Jesus exalted?
    According to His human nature, Jesus now always and fully uses the divine attributes communicated to Him.
  2. In what words of the Second Article do you confess the exaltation of Christ?
    I confess the exaltation of Christ in these words of the Second Article: “He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.”
  3. What does the Bible teach about Jesus’ descent into hell?
    The Bible teaches that after coming to life in the grave, Christ descended into hell, not to suffer punishment, but to proclaim His victory over death and the devil.
  4. What does the bible teach about the nature of Jesus' resurrection?
    The bible teaches that on the third day, Jesus rose bodily from the grave and showed Himself alive to His disciples.
    Bible Account: Jesus resurrection
  5. Why is the resurrection of Christ of such importance and comfort to you?
    The resurrection of Christ definitely proves that
    • Christ is the Son of God,
    • He has made full satisfaction for all my sins,
    • I too shall rise again on teh last day and
    • it gives me strength to forsake sin and live a new life.
  6. What does the Bible teach about Jesus' ascension into heaven?
    The Bible teaches that forty days after His resurrection Jesus left the earth with His visible presence and went to His Father in order to prepare a place for me in the heavenly home.
    Bible Account: The ascension of Jesus
  7. What does the ascension of Christ teach you?
    The ascension of Christ teaches me that I should be heavenly-minded and have a desire to depart and be with Him.
  8. What does it mean that Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father?
    That Jesus sits at the right hand of God means that He – also according to His human nature – rules in divine glory over all things for the benefit of His church. (See Questions 173, 174, 175, 176 and 177).
  9. What does the Bible teach about Jesus' second coming?
    The Bible teaches that, on the last day, Jesus will visibly return in glory to judge the living and the dead.
    The Bible rejects the false teaching of Millennialism, which states that Christ, either before or after He comes again, will establish a kingdom of glory and peace here on this earth for a period of 1,000 years. Revelation 20 is a figurative description of the Church in New Testament times.
  10. What does Jesus say about the time of His second coming?
    Jesus says that no one knows the exact moment of His return, but He has given us certain signs which indicate that He may return at any time.
  11. What are some of the signs that Jesus has given us which point to His second coming?
    Signs that point to Jesus' return at any time include:
    • the preaching of the Gospel for a witness to all nations,
    • increasing ungodliness in the world,
    • the rise of false prophets and false christs,
    • wars and rumors of wars and
    • disasters in the realm of nature.
    Bible Reference: Signs of the last times
  12. What will Jesus judge when He returns?
    When Jesus returns, He will judge, also according to His human nature, the thoughts, words and deeds of all people for the evidence of faith.
    Bible Account: Jesus' description of the last judgement

Conclusion

Jesus' exaltation brings comfort to the Christian: His descent into hell, resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven show that He is the triumphant, living God. At the right hand of God the Father, Christ our Brother now fills and rules all things according to both His natures. At His second coming on Judgement Day, He will return visibly to bring the members of His kingodm into heaven where they will see Him face to face.

Hymn

He is arisen! Glorious Word!
Now reconciled is God, my Lord;
The gates of heav'n are open.
My Jesus died triumphantly,
And Satan's arrows broken lie,
Destroyed hell's direst weapon.
Oh, hear what cheer!
Christ victorious riseth glorious,
Life He given –
He was dead but see, He liveth! (ELH 348).

Bible Readings

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