------------------------------------------------------- ### **Cross Reference:** #Christ's_session, #Christ's_exaltation, #right_hand_of_God, #biblical_theology, #doctrine_of_Christ, #theology_of_intercession, #high_priest, #sovereign_reign, #eschatology, #Christ's_kingdom, #apocalyptic_visions, #Apostles_Creed, #Nicene_Creed, #Reformation_theology, #biblical_exegesis, #melchizedek_priesthood, #divine_authority --- ## The Session of Christ: Reigning at the Right Hand of God The **[[Session of Christ]]** refers to the belief that after His **resurrection**, [[Jesus Christ]] ascended into heaven and took His seat at the **right hand of God**, reigning over all creation. This theological concept speaks to the **[[exaltation of Christ]]**, highlighting His authority, divine rule, and ongoing **intercession** for believers. Let's explore what this doctrine means and how it is rooted in [[Scripture]]. ### The Biblical Foundation for Christ's Exaltation The **[[00.New Testament]]** consistently teaches that after His **resurrection**, [[Jesus Christ]] was exalted by [[God the Father]] and now reigns as **Lord** over all. This **exaltation** is described as Christ sitting at God’s **right hand**—a position of supreme authority and honor. The **[[Session of Christ]]** points to the reality that Christ's reign, while not fully realized yet, is ongoing and will be fully revealed when He returns to judge the living and the dead. ### Psalm 110:1 – The Priestly King at God's Right Hand > “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” (Psalm 110:1) **Psalm 110** is one of the most frequently quoted **[[Old Testament]]** passages in the [[00.New Testament]]. It reveals a figure who is invited to sit at God's **right hand**, waiting for His enemies to be subdued. This **[[Melchizedekian priest-king]]** serves as a foreshadowing of Christ. The connection to [[Melchizedek]], both a **priest** and **king**, is significant. Just as Melchizedek served as both **priest** and **king** in **Genesis 14**, [[Jesus Christ]] fulfills both roles, interceding for humanity as a high priest while reigning as the **exalted king**. ### Isaiah 53: The Suffering Servant Exalted > “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer... After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many.” (Isaiah 53:10–12) **Isaiah 53** describes the **[[Suffering Servant]]**, who offers His life as an **atonement** for sin. After His suffering, [[God]] exalts Him. This passage ties together the themes of **suffering** and **exaltation**, which are central to understanding Christ's path from the cross to the throne. [[Jesus Christ]]'s obedient death was vindicated by His resurrection and His subsequent exaltation to God’s **right hand**. ### Daniel 7: The Son of Man and His Kingdom > “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a **[[Son of Man]]**, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the [[Ancient of Days]] and was led into his presence.” (Daniel 7:13–14) **Daniel 7** presents a vision where the **[[Son of Man]]** is given dominion and an everlasting kingdom by the **[[Ancient of Days]]** ([[God]]). This passage is vital because [[Jesus Christ]] frequently referred to Himself as the **[[Son of Man]]**. The **[[00.New Testament]]** applies this imagery to Christ’s **ascension** and **exaltation**, where He shares the throne with [[God]]. The four beasts in [[Daniel]]’s vision represent the empires of the pagan world, but they are overthrown by the **eternal kingdom** of the **[[Son of Man]]**. This vision underscores [[Jesus Christ]]’s **sovereign reign** over all creation, a reign that will culminate when He returns in glory. ### Christ's Ascension and Exaltation in the [[00.New Testament]] The [[00.New Testament]] uniformly affirms that Jesus' **exaltation** is a direct result of His **obedient death on the cross**. The apostles, especially **[[Paul]]** and the **Gospel writers**, describe [[Jesus Christ]]’s appearances after His **resurrection** as **proof** of His victory over **death** and **sin**. The **[[ascension]]** is seen as a **continuation** of this **exaltation**, marking [[Jesus Christ]]’s transition from the **earthly realm** to His **heavenly throne**. #### Luke 24:50–53 and Acts 1:6–11 – The Ascension > "When he had led them out to the vicinity of **Bethany**, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven." (Luke 24:50–51) Both the **[[Gospel of Luke]]** and the **[[Book of Acts]]** describe [[Jesus Christ]]’s **ascension** into **heaven** as a pivotal moment. In **Acts 1**, as [[Jesus Christ]] is taken up into the clouds, the disciples are told by angels that He will return in the same way He left. This **ascension** marks the **beginning** of His session at [[God]]’s **right hand**, a reign that continues today. ### The Significance of Christ's Exaltation #### Christ’s Universal Reign Christ's **exaltation** reveals His **[[divine status]]**. In **[[Hebrews 01 The Superiority of Christ’s Revelation]]** and **[[Revelation]]**, [[Jesus Christ]] is depicted as receiving **worship** from **angels** and the faithful who have passed away. This serves as a clear affirmation of His **divinity**. In His **exalted state**, [[Jesus Christ]] holds a position of **universal authority**, ruling over all creation. > "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name." (Philippians 2:9) #### Christ as [[High Priest]] and Advocate In His **exaltation**, [[Jesus Christ]] also functions as a **[[High Priest]]** who **intercedes** on behalf of believers. **Hebrews 4:14** presents [[Jesus Christ]] as the **[[Great High Priest]]** who has passed through the heavens and now sits at [[God]]’s **right hand**, offering continuous **intercession** for us. His position ensures that we have an **advocate** before [[God]], securing our **salvation**. > “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25) ### Conclusion: The Call to Reflect on Christ's Exaltation The **[[Session of Christ]]** is a powerful reminder of [[Jesus Christ]]’s ongoing **sovereignty**, **intercession**, and **future return**. As we consider His **exaltation**, we are called to live in the reality of His **current reign**. [[Christ]]’s position at the **right hand of God** assures us that our **salvation is secure**, and His **coming return** will bring about the full manifestation of His **kingdom**. > "Christ’s reign is not fully manifest yet, but He reigns now, and His people are called to live in light of this truth."