The Exaltation of Christ

The Exaltation of Christ

1. The Ascension
   1.  
      1. "ascended far above all heavens" Eph. 4:10
      2. Indications by scripture point to several heavens (see Heb. 7:26, 4:14)
      3. He overcame principalities that inhabit the heavenlies in order to present His finished work to God -Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
   His resurrected body was visibly taken into heaven (Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51)

1. His Exaltation
   1. The place of honor and power at the right hand of God - Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the Promise of the Holy Ghost
   2. 1 Peter 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Also see Rom. 8:34, Eph. 1:20, Heb. 10:12
   3. By identification through faith we have risen with Him and should seek those things which are in heaven - Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
   4. Christ sat down at the right hand of God only after He had completed His mission which ended with the sacrifice to end all sacrifices - Hebrews 10:12 - But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
   5. Jesus sits on the throne and to those who overcome this world will sit with Him - Revelation 3:21 - To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
   6. Stephen saw the exalted Jesus - Acts 7:56 - And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
   7. A primary reason for the exaltation is so that every knee should bow to the name of Jesus (read Phil. 2:9-11)

1. The results of the exaltation of Christ
   1. He is now our High Priest appearing before God on the behalf of us - Hebrews 9:24 - For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: ( and see also Heb. 4:14)
   2. We are assured of access to God - Heb. 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
   3. Christ has now become the head of the Church - Ephesians 1:22 - And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (see also Col. 1:18)
   4. The Spirit is outpoured - He has poured out His Spirit on believers. John 16:7 - Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the Promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
   5. He gave gifts to men and to the church (1 Cor. 12:8-10; Eph. 4:8-13.
   6. He is preparing a place for His own- John 14:3 - And if I go and prepare a place for you,.
   7. His return is promised. John 14:3 .. I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

1. Practical values of the Ascension
   1. An incentive for Holiness (see Col. 3;1-4)
   2. The right conception of the Church as a living supernatural organism getting divine life and power through its Head
   3. Our attitude toward the world - Philippians 3:20 - For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
   4. A sense of deep responsibility - 2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
   5. We can live in the hope of His return - John 14:3 - And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Study Questions:

1. When did the exaltation of Christ begin?
2. Why did Jesus give up His place of honor when He came to the world as a man?
3. Explain identification through faith and the result.
4. What is the result of the exaltation?