Westminster Larger Catechism – Lord’s Day 15
Q & A 51
Q What was the estate of Christ’s exaltation?
A The estate of Christ’s exaltation comprehends his resurrection *1, ascension *2, sitting at the right hand of the Father *3, and his coming again to judge the world *4.
Q & A 52
Q How was Christ exalted in his resurrection?
A Christ was exalted in his resurrection, in that, not having seen corruption in death, (of which it was not possible for him to be held) *5, and having the very same body in which he suffered, with the essential properties thereof *6, (but without mortality, and other common infirmities belonging to this life,) really united to his soul *7, he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power *8; whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God *9, to have satisfied divine justice *10, to have vanquished death, and him that had the power of it *11, and to be Lord of quick and dead *12: all which he did as a public person *13, the head of his church *14, for their justification *15, quickening in grace *16, support against enemies *17, and to assure them of their resurrection from the dead at the last day *18.
Q & A 53
Q How was Christ exalted in his ascension?
A Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that having after his resurrection often appeared unto and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God *19, and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nations *20, forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head *21, triumphing over enemies *22, visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men *23, to raise up our affections thither *24, and to prepare a place for us *25, where he himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world *26.
Q & A 54
Q How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?
A Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favour with God the Father *27, with all fulness of joy *28, glory *29, and power over all things in heaven and earth *30; and does gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies; furnishes his ministers and people with gifts and graces *31, and makes intercession for them *32.
Q & A 55
Q How does Christ make intercession?
A Christ makes intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven *33, in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth *34, declaring his will to have it applied to all believers *35; answering all accusations against them *36, and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings *37, access with boldness to the throne of grace *38, and acceptance of their persons *39 and services *40.
Q & A 56
Q How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world?
A Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world, in that he, who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men *41, shall come again at the last day in great power *42, and in the full manifestation of his own glory, and of his Father’s, with all his holy angels *43, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God *44, to judge the world in righteousness *45.
*1 1 Corinthians 15:4.
*2 Mark 16:19.
*3 Ephesians 1:20.
*4 Acts 1:11; Acts 17:31.
*5 Acts 2:24, 27.
*6 Luke 24:39.
*7 Romans 6:9; Revelation 1:18.
*8 John 10:18.
*9 Romans 1:4.
*10 Romans 8:34.
*11 Hebrews 2:14.
*12 Romans 14:9.
*13 1 Corinthians 15:21-22.
*14 Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 1:18.
*15 Romans 4:25.
*16 Ephesians 2:1, 5-6; Colossians 2:12.
*17 1 Corinthians 15:25-27.
*18 1 Corinthians 15:20.
*19 Acts 1:2-3.
*20 Matthew 28:19-20.
*21 Hebrews 6:20.
*22 Ephesians 4:8.
*23 Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 4:10; Psalm 68:18.
*24 Colossians 3:1-2.
*25 John 14:3.
*26 Acts 3:21.
*27 Philippians 2:9.
*28 Acts 2:28; Psalm 16:11.
*29 John 17:5.
*30 Ephesians 1:22; 1 Peter 3:22.
*31 Ephesians 4:10-12; Psalm 110:1.
*32 Romans 8:34.
*33 Hebrews 9:12, 24.
*34 Hebrews 1:3.
*35 John 3:16; John 17:9, 20, 24.
*36 Romans 8:33-34.
*37 Romans 5:1-2; 1 John 2:1-2.
*38 Hebrews 4:16.
*39 Ephesians 1:6.
*40 1 Peter 2:5.
*41 Acts 3:14-15.
*42 Matthew 24:30.
*43 Luke 9:26.
*44 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
*45 Acts 17:31.
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