WLC 54

Q54. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?

Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favor with God the Father, with all fulness of joy, glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth; and doth gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies; furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces, and maketh intercession for them.

Proof texts

• Phil. 2:9 — [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
• Acts 2:28 — [28] You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
• Ps. 16:11 — [11] You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
• John 17:5 — [5] And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
• Eph. 1:22 — [22] And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
• 1 Pet. 3:22 — [22] who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
• Eph. 4:10-12 — [10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
• Ps. 110:1 — [1] The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
• Rom. 8:34 — [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Phil. 2:9 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q21 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WCF 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q21 · WCF 8.1 · HC Q29 · HC Q37 · BC 5.2 · BC 5.3 · BC 5.4 · BC 5.5 · BC 5.6 · CD 2.1 · 1689 8.1