The Exaltation of Christ: His Glorious Rule at the Right Hand of God

“How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?”

“Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favor with God the Father, with all fullness of joy, glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth; and doth gather and defend his Church, and subdue their enemies; furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces, and maketh intercession for them.” - Westminster Larger Catechism, 54

In our previous studies on the Westminster Larger Catechism, we explored the profound truth of Christ’s exaltation through His resurrection, ascension, and sovereign rule as King (Questions 51 and 52). These meditations revealed the triumph of our Savior, who, having accomplished redemption through His death, rose in victory, ascended to glory, and now reigns over all creation with unmatched authority. Today, we turn our attention to question 54, which draws us deeper into the mystery and majesty of Christ’s exaltation: His sitting at the right hand of God. This doctrine is not merely a theological abstraction but a living reality that shapes our worship, fuels our hope, and strengthens our faith as we navigate the joys and trials of life.

The Exalted God-Man: Christ’s Supreme Honor

The catechism begins by declaring that Christ, as the God-man, is “advanced to the highest favor with God the Father, with all fullness of joy, glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth.” This statement unveils the breathtaking reality of Christ’s ascension and His seated position at the right hand of God. To sit at the right hand is a position of unparalleled honor, authority, and intimacy. It is the place reserved for the One who is both fully divine and fully human, the Mediator who perfectly unites God and man in His own person.

In His exaltation, Christ is not merely a passive recipient of glory; He is actively reigning, radiating the fullness of divine joy and power. The phrase “highest favor with God the Father” reminds us of the eternal communion within the Trinity, now gloriously displayed in the exalted humanity of Jesus. As our mediator, He has been crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9), enjoying the infinite delight of the Father’s presence. This is no distant or detached kingship; it is a reign marked by intimacy, where the Son, in His glorified human nature, is forever united to the Father in perfect fellowship.

For believers, this truth is a fount of encouragement. Our Savior, who once walked the dusty roads of Galilee, who wept in Gethsemane and bled on the cross, now sits enthroned in glory. His human nature, like ours, yet without sin, has been exalted to the highest place. This assures us that our humanity, redeemed in Him, is destined for glory. As we noted in our study on Question 51, Christ’s exaltation is the pledge of our future hope. His session at the right hand of God guarantees that those united to Him by faith will one day share in His glory, for “if we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12).

Sovereign Over All: Christ’s Universal Dominion

The catechism further teaches that Christ possesses “all fullness of joy, glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth.” This echoes our previous study on Question 52, where we explored Christ’s sovereign kingship. His rule at the right hand of God is not a static position but an active reign. Psalm 110:1, often quoted in the New Testament, declares, “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” Christ’s seated posture signifies that His work of redemption is complete, yet His authority is dynamic, extending over every corner of creation.

This universal dominion is a comfort to the church in every age. In a world marked by chaos, injustice, and opposition to God’s truth, we are tempted to despair. Yet, Christ’s rule assures us that no power, be it political, cultural, or spiritual, can thwart His purposes. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). As we face the challenges of living faithfully in a fallen world, we can rest in the truth that our exalted King is subduing all things under His feet (Ephesians 1:22). His reign is not theoretical but practical, governing the rise and fall of nations, the unfolding of history, and the details of our daily lives.

Gathering and Defending His Church

The catechism beautifully highlights the practical outworking of Christ’s rule. He “doth gather and defend his Church, and subdue their enemies.” This is no abstract rule but a personal, pastoral care for His people. Christ, as the exalted King, is actively building His church, calling sinners to Himself, and preserving His flock against all threats.

The gathering of the church is a miracle of grace. From every nation, tribe, and tongue, Christ is drawing His elect to Himself through the proclamation of the gospel. As we reflected in Question 51, His resurrection and ascension validated His redemptive work, ensuring that all for whom He died will be brought into His fold. This truth should ignite our passion for evangelism and missions, knowing that Christ’s authority guarantees the success of His gospel. He declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18-19). Our labor in sharing the gospel is not in vain, for the exalted Christ is at work, gathering His people into His eternal kingdom.

Moreover, Christ defends His church. In a world hostile to the truth, the church faces enemies both visible and invisible. Things like false ideologies, persecution, and the schemes of the evil one. Yet, Christ’s session assures us that no weapon formed against His people will ultimately prosper (Isaiah 54:17). He is our shield and defender, the One who promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18). This truth strengthens us to persevere, knowing that our exalted Lord is fighting for us, even when we feel weak or overwhelmed.

Equipping His People: Gifts and Graces

Christ’s rule is not only about power but also about provision. The catechism notes that He “furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces.” From His exalted throne, Christ pours out His Spirit upon His church, equipping believers for service and sanctification. Ephesians 4:8-12 connects Christ’s ascension to the giving of gifts: “When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” These gifts include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, as well as the diverse spiritual gifts bestowed on every believer for the building up of the body.

This aspect of Christ’s session is deeply practical for our daily lives. Whether you are a pastor preaching the Word, a parent teaching your children, or a believer serving in your local church, Christ is actively supplying the grace you need. His Spirit empowers us to grow in holiness, to love one another, and to fulfill our callings. When we feel inadequate or discouraged, we can look to our exalted Savior, who not only reigns over us but also resources us with His infinite supply. Christ’s sovereign kingship ensures that His people are never left to fend for themselves. He is the Shepherd who equips His flock with everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

Our Great High Priest: Christ’s Intercession

Perhaps the most tender aspect of Christ’s session is His ongoing intercession for His people. The catechism states that He “maketh intercession for them.” This truth, rooted in passages like Hebrews 7:25 and Romans 8:34, reveals Christ as our great High Priest, who ever lives to plead our case before the Father. His intercession is not a desperate appeal but a powerful, effectual ministry grounded in His finished work on the cross. Because He has paid the penalty for our sins and clothed us in His righteousness, His prayers on our behalf are always heard.

This intercession is a source of unshakable comfort. When we sin, falter, or face temptation, Christ is at the Father’s right hand, advocating for us. As John writes, “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). His intercession ensures that our salvation is secure, our forgiveness is certain, and our access to God’s grace is unending. This truth also deepens our prayer life, for we approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our Savior is already there, interceding for us (Hebrews 4:16).

Living in Light of Christ’s Session

As we reflect on Christ’s rule at the right hand of God, we are called to respond with worship, trust, and obedience. His exaltation invites us to adore Him as the God-man who reigns in glory, to trust Him as the King who governs all things for our good, and to serve Him as the One who equips and sustains us. In a world that often feels chaotic, Christ’s session reminds us that He is in control, gathering His church, defeating His enemies, and interceding for His people.

Let us, therefore, fix our eyes on our exalted Savior. When trials come, let us remember that He is seated in glory, wielding all power for our salvation. When we feel weak, let us rely on the gifts and graces He provides. And when we pray, let us approach the Father with boldness, knowing that our High Priest is pleading our cause. May the truth of Christ’s rule fill our hearts with joy, our lives with purpose, and our churches with zeal for His glory.

Soli Deo Gloria