02.1.5.2.03 States if Christ: Exaltation

Book Fifth

CHAPTER II.

SECTION III.--EXALTATION. THE SON OF GOD, IN HUMAN NATURE, WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD, ASCENDED TO HEAVEN, AND WAS INVESTED WITH SUPREME DOMINION OVER ALL CREATURES.[20] The facts of Christ’s exaltation, like those of his humiliation, are related in the Scripture narrative, and referred to in various parts of the sacred volume. The exaltation, like the humiliation, produced no real change in his divine nature. It affected the manifestation of it, and also wrought a real change in the condition of the human nature. This nature is now perfectly happy. Jesus has received the joy that was set before him;[21] and saints, who are to be happy with him for ever, are said to "enter into the joy of their Lord."[22] On this nature rests, also, the full glory of the Godhead, "the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."[23] As through him the brightest manifestations of the divine glory are made to intelligent creatures, so through him they receive the commands of supreme authority. "He is head of principalities and powers." "He raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principalities and powers, and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come."[24] The glory to which Christ has been exalted, is not a subject of idle speculation, in which we have no interest. In his address to his Father, he said, in allusion to his disciples, "The glory which thou hast given me, I have given them."[25] Hence, while we suffer with Christ,[26] and for Christ, in this world, we may rejoice in the hope of being glorified with him.

[20] Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1-31; Acts 1:11; Acts 7:56; Acts 9:4; 1 Corinthians 15:4-8; Php 2:9-11.

[21] Hebrews 12:2.

[22] Matthew 25:21.

[23] 2 Corinthians 4:6.

[24] Ephesians 1:20-21.

[25] John 17:22.

[26] Romans 8:17.