1 Peter 3:22
This sermon explores the significance of Christ's ascension, His authority, and the hope it provides to believers amidst suffering.
John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 3:22, emphasizing that after His resurrection, Christ ascended into heaven where He intercedes for believers and prepares a place for them. He highlights Christ's exalted position at the right hand of God, a unique honor that signifies the completion of His work and authority over all creation, including angels and earthly powers. This assurance of Christ's sovereignty encourages believers to endure suffering, knowing that He governs all things for their good and will ultimately return to take them to Himself.
Text
Ver. 22. Who is gone into heaven,.... After he had been risen forty days, where he is received, and will remain, until the restitution of all things; and where he appears in the presence of God for his people, and ever lives to make intercession for them; and is entered as their forerunner, and is preparing mansions of glory for them; and will come again, and take them to himself, to be for ever with him, and from hence they expect him:
and is on the right hand of God; where Stephen saw him; and which is an honour never conferred on any angel, or man; and shows that Christ had done his work, and that in a way acceptable to God; the Vulgate Latin version here adds "swallowing up death, that we might be made heirs of eternal life"; but is not supported by any copy or version:
angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him; by "angels" may be meant angels both good and bad, who are all in subjection to Christ; and by authorities and powers, the kings, princes, and governors of this world, who hold their dominions from and under the Lord Jesus Christ; and which is an argument why believers should patiently bear all their sufferings and afflictions, since Christ has the government in his hands, and he rules and overrules all things for good; and when he pleases, he can put a stop to the rage and persecutions of men; and so the apostle returns to his former argument, in the following chapter.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Christ's Ascension
- Significance of His Position
- Preparation for Believers
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II
- Christ's Intercession
- Role as Forerunner
- Promise of His Return
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III
- Authority of Christ
- Subjection of Angels and Powers
- Encouragement for Believers
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IV
- Hope in Suffering
- Christ's Sovereignty
- Expectation of Glory
Key Quotes
“He appears in the presence of God for his people, and ever lives to make intercession for them.” — John Gill
“Christ had done his work, and that in a way acceptable to God.” — John Gill
“He rules and overrules all things for good.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Recognize the importance of Christ's intercession in your daily life.
- Find comfort in the sovereignty of Christ during times of suffering.
- Live in anticipation of Christ's return and the eternal glory promised to believers.