Reflecting on Truth #49
Q: Where is Christ now?
A: Christ rose bodily from the grave on the third day after his death and is seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling his kingdom and interceding for us, until he returns to judge and renew the whole world.
He raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:20-21)
Why does this matter?
When we think of Christ, we often think only about what he has done. But how about what he is doing? It’s hard to feel like Christ matters now in our daily lives sometimes. Because we don’t physically see him, it’s sometimes hard to see how our daily lives are affected by him. Perhaps we sometimes wonder what he’s up to.
This catechism reminds us of a few truths.
Christ is alive! He has risen from the dead! We do not worship and follow a dead man who left behind wisdom and teachings. We worship and follow a risen King!
Christ is currently seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling his kingdom.
Ephesians tells us that Christ has been exalted far above all rule and authority and power and dominion. He has been given all authority over this world and the one to come. He is ruling this world now and he will rule the one to come. He holds all things together, and nothing happens out of his sovereign control. Any other authority, power, or dominion is subject to him. He has authority and power over them.
Christ is currently seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. We have an Advocate who has such a close relationship with the Father. He always has our good and our interest at heart, feeling with us, sympathizing for us, constantly making intercession to the Father for us.
What does this mean for us?
We can have utmost confidence to trust and follow him because his kingdom will not fail. The king we worship has all authority. In times of difficulty and trials, we can cling on to the truth that nothing is happening outside of his sovereign rule and control. No evil or injustice will prevail.
We can have confidence and be comforted even when we struggle with sin and failure. We have a great High Priest who is always interceding on our behalf, the perfect lamb who was slain, whose sacrifice is sufficient to cover all our sins. We no longer face condemnation.
And therefore, we can look forward to his return, when he will judge and make all things right. He will bring us to the perfect new creation, and we will finally see our Saviour face to face.
May we grow in our love and appreciation for Christ, not only for what he has done, but also for what he is doing and for what he will do when he comes again.