We’ve been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we’ve been looking at how Christ was exalted by his sitting in God’s presence – known as his session. We’ve seen that Christ’s session at God’s right hand exalts him as it means Jesus has all favour from God and fullness of joy. This week I want to show you that Christ’s session exalts him as it also grants him power over all things.

An online dictionary defines a right hand man as a person’s most valuable assistant or supporter. For example, I would consider my wife, Jill, to be my ‘right hand man’ as she certainly is my most valuable assistant and supporter. And I’m sure she would say that I am her ‘right hand man’.

Now if someone is your most valuable assistant, then you must have granted that person specific powers. If my wife is my ‘right hand man’ yet I don’t allow her any power to make any decisions and take any actions, then she isn’t my right hand man!

So if Jesus is God’s right hand man, then God must have granted great power to Jesus so that Jesus can be of assistance.

And that is exactly what the Bible tells us. Peter describes Jesus as one ‘who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand–with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him’ (1 Peter 3:22). Peter is clear that Christ’s session in heaven is one that grants him power over all created beings.

Moreover, the apostle Paul also describes Christ as having complete dominion whilst he sits at God’s right hand. Speaking of God’s power, Paul says: ‘That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted 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 every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way’ (Ephesians 1:19-23).

And the fact that the Christ is sitting at God’s right hand with all power is not a new idea. It is known as far back as Psalm 110 where we read: ‘The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth’ (Psalm 110:1-3). Christ’s dominion over his enemies fulfils this great prophecy.

And if Christ is sitting with all dominion, then he is exalted indeed.

So what are you going to do about the news that the Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God and now sits there with power over all things? The Bible encourages you to exalt Christ by submitting to his rule with repentance and faith. And if you do, then one day you will be resurrected to live forever with him.

Joel Radford.