Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 53
Question 53
How was Christ exalted in his ascension?
Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that having after his resurrection often appeared unto and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nations, forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head, triumphing over enemies, visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men, to raise up our affections thither, and to prepare a place for us, where himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world.
Scripture references for paragraph 1
Berean Standard Bible. Public domain text and source credits.
Acts 1:2-32until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.
3After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Matthew 28:19-2019Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
20and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Hebrews 6:2020where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
Ephesians 4:88This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”
Acts 1:9-119After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.
10They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”
Ephesians 4:1010He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.
Psalms 68:1818You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.
Colossians 3:1-21Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
John 14:33And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.
Acts 3:2121Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets.
Source and edition
Westminster Larger Catechism. NonlinearFruit/Creeds.json, Unlicense. Creeds.json, English transcription
Unlicense. Source transcription.
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