What was the estate of Christ’ s exaltation?
The estate of Christ’s exaltation comprehends his resurrection, ascension, sitting at the right hand of the Father, and his coming again to judge the world.
The Glorious Estate of Christ’s Exaltation
The exaltation of Jesus Christ stands as the triumphant culmination of God’s redemptive plan, marking the reversal of His humiliation and the inauguration of His reign as King and Savior. This exaltation, as defined in the Westminster Shorter Catechism, encompasses four key events: His resurrection, ascension, session at the right hand of the Father, and His future return to judge the world.
The Resurrection: A Triumph Over Death
The resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 declares, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” This event, foretold in the Old Testament (Psalm 16:10) and witnessed by numerous individuals, is the ultimate proof of Christ’s divinity and the guarantee of our own resurrection.
Acts 2:24-27, 31 echoes this sentiment, quoting Psalm 16:10 and applying it to Christ: “But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him… he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.” This passage emphasizes the impossibility of death constraining the Son of God and the glorious nature of His resurrected body.
The Ascension: A Return to Glory
Forty days after His resurrection, Christ ascended into heaven in the presence of His disciples (Acts 1:9). This event marked His return to the glory He had with the Father before the foundation of the world (John 17:5). It signified the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign.
Session at the Right Hand of the Father: A Position of Authority
Christ’s ascension was followed by His session at the right hand of the Father, a position of supreme authority and honor. As Hebrews 1:3 states, “After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” This position signifies Christ’s role as mediator, intercessor, and ruler over all things.
The Second Coming: A Day of Judgment
The final aspect of Christ’s exaltation is His future return to judge the world. Acts 1:11 declares, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” This return will mark the culmination of history and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
Theological Significance
The exaltation of Christ is not merely a series of historical events but a profound theological truth with far-reaching implications. John Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, emphasizes the significance of Christ’s ascension: “By his ascension, he opened up the access to heaven, that we might follow in our order.” (Book II, Chapter 16). Christ’s exaltation paves the way for our own ascension and participation in His glory.
Furthermore, Christ’s exaltation assures believers of His ongoing presence and intercession on their behalf. As Hebrews 7:25 states, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
The exaltation of Christ was necessary to our salvation, for it was by his being exalted that he was able to send the Holy Spirit, to apply the benefits of his death and resurrection to us. This emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in mediating Christ’s saving grace to believers.
The exaltation of Christ is a glorious reality that fills believers with hope and joy. It assures us of our forgiveness, our standing before God, and our future inheritance in His eternal kingdom. As we contemplate the depths of Christ’s humiliation, let us also rejoice in the heights of His exaltation and live in the light of His triumphant reign.
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