The belief that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God is central to Christian theology. It’s based on several biblical passages. One of the most important is in the Gospel of Mark. Other passages include Acts 2:33 and Hebrews 1:3.
This belief signifies Jesus’ exalted position as the Son of God and the savior of humanity. It also reflects the belief that Jesus shares in the command and reign of God. He can speak to God on behalf of humanity. This belief has been foundational to Christian thought and practice throughout history, and it remains important to Christian theology today.
Table of Contents
- Jesus’ Ascension and the Day of Pentecost
- The significance of Jesus’ position at the right hand of Father
- Jesus is seated at the right hand of God as the High Priest
- Jesus is seated at the right hand of God as the Mediator
- Biblical Scripture to Support the Belief that Jesus is Seated at the Right Hand of God
- The Deeper Theological Meaning of Jesus’ Place of Honor in the Kingdom of God
Jesus’ Ascension and the Day of Pentecost
The event of the ascension of Jesus is a crucial moment in Christianity, as it marks the completion of his earthly mission and the beginning of his heavenly ministry. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit’s coming.
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, empowering them to continue Jesus’ work on earth. As Jesus ascended to heaven, his disciples gazed into heaven and saw him being taken up, signifying his return to the Father’s side. God raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms.
The significance of Jesus’ position at the right hand of Father
The metaphorical expression “seated at the right hand of God” is significant in Christian belief. It signifies Jesus’ exalted position and his sharing of rule and sovereignty with God.
Jesus sitting at the right hand of God allows him to intercede for humanity and offer forgiveness and salvation. This is possible because of his death and resurrection, which made forgiveness and salvation possible for humanity.
Jesus is seated at the right hand of God as the High Priest
Jesus’ role as the High Priest is essential in Christian belief. After his ascension to heaven, Jesus became the ultimate High Priest, as mentioned in the book of Hebrews. This position allows Jesus to intercede for humanity, offering forgiveness and salvation. Jesus’ role as the High Priest is highlighted in the statement that He offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, as we read in Hebrews 10:12
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
He made purification for sins and ensured that Christ had offered a unique and perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Jesus is seated at the right hand of God as the Mediator
Jesus’ position at the right hand of God signifies his role as the mediator between God and humanity. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus bridged the gap between humanity and God, enabling a direct relationship with the Father.
The apostles’ creed affirms this role when it says, “he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” As the mediator, Jesus makes intercession for us, ensuring that we have access to God’s grace and forgiveness.
Biblical Scripture to Support the Belief that Jesus is Seated at the Right Hand of God
The belief that Christ is seated at God’s right hand is supported by several biblical passages, including Psalm 110:1, Mark 16:19, Acts 2:33, and Hebrews 1:3, among others. These passages have been central to Christian belief. Theologians have discussed about them throughout history.
Psalm 110:1
The imagery of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God can be traced back to the Psalms. In Psalm 110:1, it is written:
1 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus’ ascension to heaven, where he is exalted at the right hand of God. This position emphasizes Jesus’ authority and power, with all powers having been subjected to him.
Mark 16:19
In Mark 16:19, Jesus is described as being taken up into heaven in His Ascension, and seated at the right hand of God. This passage emphasizes the exalted position of Jesus as the Son of God and the savior of humanity.
19 So then the Lord,§ after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 They went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
Acts 2:33
Similarly, Acts 2:33 describes Jesus as being “exalted by the right hand of God” and receiving the Holy Spirit from the Father. This passage shows Christ’s sharing of power and authority with God.
33 Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you now see and hear.
Hebrews 1:3
Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as “the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance“, and underlines his role in providing purification for sins. Lord Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and humanity; He is seated in Heaven, standing at the right hand of the throne, to offer forgiveness and salvation to believers.
3 His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much better than the angels as the more excellent name he has inherited is better than theirs.
source: World English Bible
The Deeper Theological Meaning of Jesus’ Place of Honor in the Kingdom of God
The belief that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father has significant theological implications in Christian thought and practice. It signifies Jesus’ exalted position; It underlines his role as the savior and redeemer of humanity. It highlights his sharing of power and authority with God.
As the savior and redeemer, Jesus has the unique role in offering forgiveness and salvation to believers. This belief has inspired acts of faith, devotion, and service, and is central to Christian liturgy and worship.
Moreover, Lord Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity. It has influenced Christian theology, inspiring acts of faith, devotion, and service.
Furthermore, the belief that Jesus shares the throne of God the Father Almighty accentuates the unity of the Trinity.
Conclusion
The fact that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father is of great importance in Christian theology. It is supported in many biblical passages and has influenced Christian thought and practice throughout history.
For Christians today, the belief serves as a reminder of Jesus’ unique relationship with God. It inspires Christians to live out their faith and serve others in Jesus’ name.
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