------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christology, #resurrection, #second_coming, #divine_authority, #right_hand_of_God, #exaltation, #kenosis, #high_priest, #divine_intercession # The Exaltation of [[Christ]]: From [[Resurrection]] to Eternal Rule The **exaltation of [[Christ]]** refers to the progressive stages of His glorification, which began with His [[Resurrection]] and culminates in His eternal rule. This doctrine stands in contrast to [[Christ]]'s **state of humiliation**, which saw His voluntary self-lowering, or **[[Kenosis]]**, as He took on human nature, culminating in His death on the cross. The exaltation, then, marks [[Christ]]’s [[vindication]] and victory, unfolding through several key events: His [[Resurrection]], [[ascension]], session at the [[right hand of God]], and [[Second Coming]]. ## The Humiliation Before the Exaltation Before delving into the **exaltation**, we must understand the depth of [[Christ]]’s **humiliation**. His journey into the human condition began at the [[Incarnation]]—His becoming human, born of the [[Virgin Mary]]. His descent continued through His **life of suffering**, ending with His death on the cross and His burial. > "He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.8&version=AMP)). The lowest point of [[Christ]]’s humiliation was **Holy Saturday**, when He lay in the tomb, identifying fully with humanity’s fate, which came through [[Adam]]. But this was not the end. ## Christ's Exaltation Begins: The [[Resurrection]] > **Key Verse**: “[He is not here: for he is risen, as he said](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28.6&version=AMP)” ([Matthew 28:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28.6&version=AMP)). The exaltation of [[Christ]] begins with His **[[Resurrection]]** on Easter morning. This moment is the **vindication** of His earthly ministry, His suffering, and His death. When the women arrive at the tomb and are told, "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said" ([Matthew 28:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28.6&version=AMP)), it marks the dawn of [[Christ]]'s exaltation. His resurrection is the divine declaration that death has been **defeated**. The [[Apostle Paul]] describes [[Christ]]’s resurrection as the **first fruits** of those who have died ([1 Corinthians 15:20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15.20&version=AMP)). By rising from the dead, [[Christ]] inaugurates the [[New Creation]], undoing the consequences of [[Adam’s fall]]. His **new Adam** role is reinforced when Mary, mistaking Him for the gardener ([John 20:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20.15&version=AMP)), unknowingly identifies Him as the One who tends and restores the [[garden of creation]], ruined by [[Sin]]. Through His resurrection, [[Christ]] is revealed as the One who will undo the curse of death. ## [[Ascension]] and Session at God’s Right Hand > **Key Passage**: [Acts 2:22–36](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2.22-36&version=AMP) Following His resurrection, [[Christ]]'s exaltation continues with His **[[ascension]]** into heaven. The ascension signifies His return to [[divine glory]], and His "sitting at the [[right hand of God]]" ([Acts 2:33](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2.33&version=AMP)) marks His **session**, or ongoing rule. This seated position is a symbol of [[Authority]] and [[intercession]] for believers. As the [[High Priest of Christ|great High Priest]], [[Christ]] continually intercedes for His people, representing them before [[God]] ([Hebrews 7:25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+7.25&version=AMP)). His session is also a period in which He reigns over all things, preparing the way for the final chapter of His exaltation—His return. ## Christ’s Return in Glory and Final Judgment > **Key Verse**: “[I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+19.11&version=AMP)” ([Revelation 19:11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+19.11&version=AMP)). [[Christ]]’s exaltation reaches its final consummation at His **[[Second Coming]]**, when He will return as [[judge]] and [[ruler]] of all. This event is described in vivid imagery in the book of [[Revelation]]: This return is marked by **glory and power**. [[Christ]], who was once humble and lowly, now returns as the **King of Kings**, exercising His authority over creation. This second coming is not merely a return to continue His work; it is the **final judgment**, where He will enact **justice** and establish His eternal reign of **shalom** (peace). ## Christ’s Ongoing Exaltation and Our Participation > **Key Passage**: “[Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.9-11&version=AMP)” ([Philippians 2:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.9-11&version=AMP)). For believers, [[Christ]]’s exaltation is not only a future hope but also a present reality. His exaltation calls us to live in light of His victory and authority. Philippians 2:9–11 affirms that [[God]] has **exalted** [[Christ]] and given Him the name above all names, so that "at the name of [[Jesus]] every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.10&version=AMP)). As followers of [[Christ]], we are invited to participate in His exaltation. Through faith in Him, we are **elevated** and made partakers in the [[divine nature]] ([2 Peter 1:3–4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1.3-4&version=AMP)). We are called to **proclaim the good news** of His kingship to the world and to live as **heirs** of His kingdom ([Ephesians 1:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1.5&version=AMP)). ## Conclusion: Living in the Light of Christ’s Exaltation The exaltation of [[Christ]] is not only a theological truth but also a call to **action** for believers. As we reflect on the stages of His exaltation—from His resurrection to His ascension, and ultimately to His return—we are reminded that [[Christ]]'s victory is complete and His authority is supreme. His exaltation offers **hope**, knowing that He reigns even now and will one day establish His eternal kingdom in full. Let this truth inspire you to live in the **power of His resurrection**, to proclaim His **lordship**, and to look forward with **anticipation** to His return in glory. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on [[Christ]]’s exaltation and how it shapes your life today. - Consider how you can live in the reality of His **ongoing rule**, and how His **victorious return** gives you hope in your current circumstances. #### Key Verses: - **[Luke 24](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24&version=AMP)** - **[John 20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20&version=AMP)** - **[Acts 2:22–36](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2.22-36&version=AMP)** - **[Ephesians 4:4–10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4.4-10&version=AMP)** - **[Hebrews 2:5–18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+2.5-18&version=AMP)** - **[Revelation 19:11–21](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+19.11-21&version=AMP)**