The Exaltation of Christ: A Reflection on Westminster Larger Catechism Question 51

“What was the estate of Christ’s exaltation?”

“The estate of Christ’s exaltation comprehendeth his resurrection, ascension, sitting at the right hand of the Father, and his coming again to judge the world.”

In our previous reflections on the Westminster Larger Catechism, we explored the profound depths of Christ’s humiliation—his incarnation, his life of obedience under the law, and his suffering unto death (see reflections on Christ’s Humiliation in Death, Christ’s Humility in Life, and Humility in the Incarnation). These meditations revealed the Son of God’s willingness to humble himself, taking on human flesh, enduring temptation, and ultimately bearing the wrath of God on the cross for the redemption of his people. Yet, the story of Christ’s work does not end in the lowliness of the cross or the tomb. The Westminster Larger Catechism, in Question 51, turns our gaze upward to the glorious estate of Christ’s exaltation, where we see the Savior’s triumph and his ongoing reign for the good of his church and the glory of God. This estate, as the catechism beautifully summarizes, encompasses his resurrection, ascension, sitting at the right hand of the Father, and his promised return to judge the world. Let us unpack these truths, grounded in Scripture, to stir our hearts to worship and hope.

The Resurrection: Christ’s Victory Over Death

The first mark of Christ’s exaltation is his resurrection—the moment when the stone was rolled away, and the crucified Savior rose triumphantly from the grave. As Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 15:4, Christ “was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” This was no mere resuscitation but a divine vindication of Christ’s person and work. His resurrection proved that the Father accepted his atoning sacrifice, that sin’s penalty was fully paid, and that death’s power was broken.

Consider the implications of this truth. In his humiliation, Christ descended into the depths of death, bearing the curse we deserved (as we reflected in our post on Christ’s Humiliation in Death). Yet, in his resurrection, he emerged victorious, the firstfruits of those who will rise (1 Corinthians 15:20). For believers, this is not just a historical fact but a living hope. Because Christ is risen, we too shall rise. Our salvation is secure, for our Savior lives forever to intercede for us. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, assuring us that Christ’s work was not in vain and that we are united to a living Lord who has conquered the grave.

The Ascension: Christ’s Entrance into Glory

Following his resurrection, Christ’s exaltation continued in his ascension to heaven. Mark 16:19 records, “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” The ascension is not merely a geographical movement but a theological reality. Christ, in his glorified human body, entered the presence of God, bringing his completed work of redemption into the heavenly sanctuary.

This moment fulfills the trajectory of his humiliation. In his incarnation, Christ descended from the glories of heaven to the lowliness of earth. In his ascension, he returns to the Father, not as he came, but as the God-man, bearing the scars of his sacrifice and the glory of his victory. The ascension assures us that Christ’s work on earth is complete, yet his ministry continues. He has not abandoned his people but has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3) and to send the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33). As we face trials and temptations, we can look to our ascended Lord, who reigns over all and is ever-present with his church through the Spirit.

Sitting at the Right Hand of the Father: Christ’s Reign and Intercession

The catechism next points us to Christ’s sitting at the right hand of the Father, a position of supreme authority and honor. Ephesians 1:20 speaks of God’s mighty power, “which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” This imagery, drawn from Psalm 110:1, signifies Christ’s kingly rule over all creation. He is not idle in heaven but reigns as the sovereign Lord, subduing his enemies, guiding his church, and interceding for his people.

This aspect of Christ’s exaltation brings immense comfort. In his humiliation, Christ submitted to the law’s demands and endured the scorn of men. Now, exalted, he wields all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). His session at the Father’s right hand means he is our advocate, pleading our cause before the throne of grace (Heb. 7:25). When we sin, falter, or face opposition, Christ’s intercession assures us that our salvation is secure. His reign also guarantees that the church will prevail, for no power can withstand the exalted King who has “all things under his feet” (Eph. 1:22).

His Coming Again to Judge the World: The Consummation of His Exaltation

The final element of Christ’s exaltation is his coming again to judge the world. Acts 1:11 records the angels’ words to the disciples after Christ’s ascension: “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” This promise is reiterated in Acts 17:31, where Paul proclaims that God “has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

Christ’s return will be the culmination of his exaltation. The one who was despised and rejected in his humiliation will return in glory, visible to all, to judge the living and the dead. This truth is both sobering and joyful. For those who reject him, it is a day of reckoning, as every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11). For believers, it is the day of final redemption, when we will be fully conformed to his image and dwell with him forever. The certainty of Christ’s return calls us to live in holiness and hope, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).

The Exaltation in Light of the Humiliation

Reflecting on Christ’s exaltation deepens our appreciation for his humiliation. The catechism’s structure invites us to see these two estates as inseparable. In his humiliation, Christ emptied himself, taking the form of a servant and dying the death of a criminal. In his exaltation, he is crowned with glory and honor, reigning as King of kings. The one who bore our sins now intercedes for us. The one who was mocked by men is now exalted above all powers. This contrast magnifies the gospel: Christ’s suffering was not the end, but the path to his glory, and through him, to ours.

This truth also shapes our lives as believers. Just as Christ’s humiliation preceded his exaltation, so too our trials and suffering in this life are not the final word. We are united to the exalted Christ, and his victory guarantees our own. As we face persecution, temptation, or the daily struggle against sin, we can take heart that our Savior has triumphed and will return to make all things new. His resurrection assures us of eternal life. His ascension secures our access to God’s presence. His session at the Father’s right hand ensures his constant care. And his promised return fuels our hope for the day when we will see him face to face.

Practical Applications for the Believer

The estate of Christ’s exaltation is not a distant theological concept but a truth that transforms how we live. First, it calls us to worship. The exalted Christ is worthy of all praise, for he has conquered sin and death and reigns forever. Let us lift our hearts in adoration, marveling at his power and grace. Second, it inspires confidence. No matter the challenges we face, our Savior is seated at the right hand of God, ruling all things for the good of his church. We can trust him in every circumstance. Third, it urges us to holiness. Knowing that Christ will return to judge the world, we are called to live lives that honor him, walking in obedience and love. Finally, it fuels hope. The best is yet to come. The exalted Christ will return to gather his people, and we will share in his glory forever.

Conclusion

The Westminster Larger Catechism’s Question 51 invites us to behold the glory of Christ’s exaltation—his resurrection, ascension, session at the Father’s right hand, and his coming again to judge the world. These truths, grounded in Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 15:4, Mark 16:19, Ephesians 1:20, Acts 1:11, and Acts 17:31, reveal a Savior who has triumphed over every enemy and now reigns for the good of his people. In light of his humiliation, which we explored in previous posts (Christ’s Humiliation in Death, Christ’s Humility in Life, Humility in the Incarnation), the exaltation shines all the brighter. May we, as believers, fix our eyes on our exalted Lord, living in the light of his victory and longing for the day when he returns in glory. Let us worship him, trust him, obey him, and hope in him, for he is our risen, ascended, reigning, and returning King.

Soli Deo Gloria