Westminster Larger Catechism #53
Commentary by Dr. Chuck Baynard
Q53. How was Christ exalted in his ascension?
Answer: 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, and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all
nations, forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head, triumphing
over enemies, visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men, to
raise up our affections thither, and to prepare a place for us, where he himself is, and
shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world.
References: Acts 1:2-3; Mt. 28:19-20; Heb. 6:20; Eph. 4:8; Acts 1:9-11; Eph. 4:10; Ps.
68:18; Col. 3:1-2; John 14:3; Acts 3:21.
Once more we see the divines include many true statements concerning Christ, and fill
in more detail toward a complete christology, but, I am not sure all of these are in
answer to the question. As noted earlier I have some difficulty seeing how being returned
to the place of glory that he rightfully had claim to from eternity is being exalted. This
can be handled in two ways: one, Christ has "voluntarily" left that place of
exaltation and now is returned to that place by God the Father. This calls for more
separation of the Godhead than I am comfortable with. The second, and where I feel most
comfortable with fits with Philippians 2:6-7ff, "...who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took
upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"
I think we now begin to see the whole picture then of the exaltation, and it was not of
the divine nature, but of man that made the exaltation a necessity. Again we see Christ as
the archetype exalted not because of reputation nor reward, but the grace of God the
Father. This is part of the doctrine of first-fruits, where Christ became the first-fruit
among many in the resurrection and exaltation. Now, for us mere mortals what an exaltation
this will be. For man such a place in glory is beyond imagination, where we stand in the
court of God, not as an imposter, nor intruder, but having been raised to such an exalted
position by grace alone. Hoeksema (a Dutch theologian) speaks of the covenant in this
manner by postulating it as a "covenant of friendship" in his work
"Reformed Dogmatics."
What a great hope we then have, for we can be the friend of God. We who are the most
unworthy can be a friend of God! The revealed God of the Bible created us to be His
friends. That such is obtainable isn’t only testified to by this exaltation of
Christ, but also by another who was totally of the flesh, Abraham (James 2:23). Though
Scripture speaks about the elect in other places as the children of God, how much this
concept of friendship adds to that relationship. Even as earthly parents it is a much
sought after thing to be "friends" with our children, our spouse. In fact the
only way for family relationships to be fully the joy intended is when this aspect of
friendship is added. Here then we find the final word and the "precedent" for
the hope that lies within the heart of the elect, Christ as the first fruits and then
those that are His.
I think this concept of friendship in parallel to the son-ship of the elect also gives
us more of the correct perspective of that relationship. The idea of son-ship can lead to
some of the modern evangelical abuse where God’s majesty, and holiness can be taken
lightly and due honor not paid at all times. Even as earthly children often impose upon
the prerogatives of their parents and take them for granted using "pet" names
and failing to constantly maintain the proper respect of position, we find the sons of God
imposing on that family relationship. However, friendship is another thing altogether, and
which among us would impose on a friend at the risk of losing that friendship? (Note, this
has nothing to do with salvation, we are speaking of the elect, but everything to do with
the perfect relationship as intended by God.) There are special "names" given to
several in the Scripture to denote God’s special love and attention to them (David,
and John for example; "after God’s own heart, and beloved, respectfully). Only
one we find mentioned as "friend of God," Abraham and that by faith. How much
more precious then are the words of the Bible where we read "For by grace are ye
saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8). We all
understand saved by grace, we all treasure the gift of faith that brought us into this
place of safety. Aw, but it is the same gift that brings us into this friendship with God
also. Men who reach earthly heights bestow upon their friends titles and honors out of
this past friendship, and in that manner some can say the one receiving the honor has been
exalted. How much clearer then is the picture of what God has given man in the gift of His
Son, whom He raised up, having the nature of the created, to stand as the child and friend
of God for eternity; and by faith in Him we can share this place of friendship.
The issue of intercession is treated in another question and will be dealt with in full
there. For the moment I want to draw our attention to the words "in our
nature..." of the current question. We need to use caution here. I once more find my
mind desiring to quibble over words with what the Divines have written. Not that they are
wrong, and I am in agreement with them, but some choices leave more room for error. This I
believe is such a case. While it is true Christ was in our nature, I believe in the
exaltation (ascension) the use of the word "with" our nature would be more
precise. The union of God and man in Christ is complete, yet separate. This separate
however is of the same nature as the Trinity, and Christ did not change, He is still God,
and still Spirit, and the differing "parts" are not to be divided. The nature
(and from the previous lessons, the body) of man have been completely and totally united
with Christ, yet without change to Christ. If that seems hard to grasp, join the club. It
is a Scriptural truth that God cannot change (including Christ). Thus the addition of this
nature and body did not, will not change Christ.
"There to receive gifts for men" I find little proof text for. This is an
area where we are left to determine from good and necessary consequence what these gifts
are that Christ received for us. The gift of future resurrection and exaltation being very
evident. They are held by Christ, again as the first fruit. There are other things that He
holds for us, until that great day of the Lord that need not be expanded here.
The exaltation then continues to be an earthly manifestation of God’s promise to
man in the sending of a Savior, whereby we find the writer of Hebrews becomes more clear
in his statement that God has spoken in these last days by His Son. In these visible acts
of Christ, most things are no longer shadow and type, but physical, historical deeds that
man might believe in Him. The Divines note this by including the appearances to the
Apostles under this answer. The revelation of God of Himself to His chief creation being
made manifest in the flesh through Christ Jesus.
We have all heard the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." How trite this
hymn seems, when the concept of friendship with God is made manifest to man in the
exaltation of our Lord as seen in the ascension. There to bask (enjoy) the glory of God
forever, not only as His adopted child, but as a friend. I would invite all to stop for a
moment and consider the depth of meaning in the word "friend." What a fantastic
picture then that Christ has not only purchased eternal life, but friendship with God.
Words fail this frail mind at this point to articulate this fantastic truth, sealed
forever in the ascension. But to even think that we can be "friends" with God
today, not just in that life to come drives me to my knees and brings tears of joy at such
a gift. With this understanding of our God, none would ever scoff at Paul’s words
about being a living sacrifice, and that only our reasonable service (Rom. 12:1). As the
friend of God man can embrace the flames of this temporal world with joy in his heart and
a song of thanksgiving upon his lips. Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen!
Dr. Chuck Baynard -- May 1998
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