Why is there added: And sits at the right hand of
God?
Because Christ ascended into heaven so that He might
manifest Himself there as the Head of His Church, through whom the Father
governs all things.
What benefit do we receive
from this glory of Christ, our Head?
First, that through His Holy Spirit He pours out heavenly
gifts upon us, His members. Second that by His power He defends and supports
us against all our enemies.
What comfort does the return
of Christ to judge the living and the dead give you?
That in all affliction and persecution I may await with head
held high the very Judge from heaven who has already submitted Himself to the
judgment of God for me and has removed all the curse from me; that He will
cast all his enemies and mine into everlasting condemnation, but He shall take
me, together with all His elect, to Himself into heavenly joy and glory.
I.
Christ Went to His Throne in Heaven
A.
Christ left His people on earth to begin His eternal reign as our Lord in
heaven.
Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead, and set him
at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above
all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every
name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to
come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to
be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the
fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:20-23)
B.
The church headquarters is in heaven. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is
the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might
have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18)
C.
The government is in place and at work. And Jesus came and spake unto
them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
(Matthew 28:18)
II.
Having Christ in Heaven Benefits Believers
A.
The gift of the Holy Spirit and the related gifts which benefit the church
here come from Christ's throne in heaven. Wherefore he saith, When
he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(Ephesians 4:8)
B.
As reigning Lord of the Universe, Christ defends believers against all His and
their enemies. And
I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither
shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28)
Shorter Catechism Question 26 treats this topic:
How doth Christ execute the office of a king? Christ executeth the
office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and
in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
C.
The present heavenly reign of Jesus focuses the prophecy of Isaiah. For
the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king,
he will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)
D.
The new order is in place and functioning. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under
his feet. (1 Corinthians 15:25)
III.
It Matters to Have a Highly-placed Friend
A.
Having Christ in heaven encourages believers to have an optimistic and
expectant attitude. And
when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your
heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke
21:28)
B.
Through Jesus, heaven is now our country. For our conversation is in heaven; from
whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Philippians 3:20)
C.
Jesus has the demonstrated power and authority to set all things right. Then
shall he say
also
unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting
fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an
hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I
was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and
in prison, and ye visited me not. (Matthew 25:41-43)
D.
Believers can expect great things to come. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come,
ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:34)
E.
The good times are only going to get better. Of the increase of his
government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of
David, and upon his kingdom, to order it and to
establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:7)
F.
Now that Christ has come to heaven, the earth will come to Christ. Behold,
the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous
Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment
and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall
dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
(Jeremiah 23:5-6)
Heidelberg
Catechism
Lord=s
Day 019
Questions
50, 51, 52
Dr.
Edwin P. Elliott, Jr.
File:
Lord=s
Day 019
