“After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” — Mark 16:19 (BSB)
“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the One who died, and more than that, was raised to life, and is now at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.” — Romans 8:34 (BSB)
“He exerted this power in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion… and placed all things under His feet.” — Ephesians 1:20–22 (BSB)
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” — Hebrews 1:3 (BSB)
This truth is drawn from Psalm 110:1 and echoed throughout the New Testament. In Ephesians 1:20–22, Paul proclaims that God raised Christ and “seated Him at His right hand… and placed all things under His feet.” It assures believers that Christ reigns over every earthly and spiritual power. John Stott explained, “The session of Christ is the ongoing guarantee that the cross was sufficient and that His kingdom is advancing.” The heavenly throne is not a place of rest but of intercession, authority, and governance.
The Thirty-Nine Articles, in Article IV, affirm that Christ “ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until He return to judge all men at the last day.” The Book of Common Prayer reflects this in its creeds, collects, and Eucharistic liturgy, repeatedly declaring Christ’s session at the Father’s right hand. His reign is central to Christian worship and confidence. He is not absent but enthroned, not inactive but ruling and pleading for His people.
Bishop Lancelot Andrewes reflected on this truth with pastoral richness: “He sits there as Priest and King—He pleads for us and governs us. One hand He lifts to bless; the other He stretches to rule.” Likewise, Bishop N.T. Wright notes that “the enthronement of Jesus is the beginning of God’s new creation project being launched on earth as in heaven.” His heavenly rule gives meaning to the Church’s mission on earth and strengthens the believer’s hope.
To confess that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father is to take comfort in His finished work, confidence in His ongoing intercession, and courage in His kingship. As Romans 8:34 assures us, He intercedes for us even now. Nothing can separate us from His love or escape His sovereign care. He reigns until all enemies are under His feet—and one day, every knee will bow before Him.
Irenaeus emphasized Christ’s exalted role as ongoing Mediator and King.
Tertullian (c. 155–220 AD) said: “He who was crucified and raised now sits at the right hand of the Father—not figuratively, but in true power and dominion.” — Against Praxeas, 30
Tertullian saw Christ’s enthronement as proof of His divinity and present reign.
St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD) taught: “He sits at the Father’s right hand not to rest, but to act—to intercede, to rule, to send the Spirit, and to prepare the kingdom.” — On the Incarnation, 54
Athanasius linked Christ’s session with His active ministry to the Church.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) preached: “Christ did not leave us when He ascended, for though He sits at the right hand of the Father, He is present with us by His Spirit and Word.” — Sermon 242
Augustine reassured believers that Christ’s exaltation ensures His presence and power.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD) stated: “He is at the right hand, not as a passive guest, but as Lord and Judge. There He governs, prays, and prepares for His return.” — Catechetical Lectures, 14.27
Cyril emphasized the authority and continuing ministry of the exalted Christ.
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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