Seated at the Right Hand

Why it matters that the Resurrected King is seated on His throne.

If Christ, the Resurrected King, is currently seated at the right hand of God in Heaven, ruling over all things, and orchestrating the unstoppable advancement of His Kingdom, then what does this mean for believers and non-believers today? It means that:

1. Christ's work on the cross was pleasing to God the Father.

The position of the right hand was a position of honor, glory, and power; one of highest favor with God the Father. God gave Christ this position because of His work on earth, His suffering on the cross, and His obedience to the Him. God proves to be pleased by Christ's ministry by seating Christ at His right hand, to rule and reign for the rest of eternity.

Isaiah 42:1 - Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

2. Christ intercedes for His people.

Now that Christ has taken His position as Resurrected King, He now can begin interceding on the behalf of all sinners as their advocate with the Father. Jesus is basically our "inside man". Having perfectly endured and conquered temptation, suffering, and the brokenness of humanity, Jesus now sits next to God the Father, defending our case. As our Advocate, we can trust that God will hear our prayers, forgive our sins, and welcome us into His presence as we confess and repent from our sins.

Hebrews 4:14-16 - Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

3. Christ completed the work of salvation for us.

Christ did not leave His work incomplete. He sat down with the Father after His work was finished; after His work of purification of sins was accomplished. There is nothing more that needs to be done for salvation other than for us to trust and believe in His accomplished work.

Hebrews 10:12-14 - But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

In summary, Christ being seated at the right hand of God the Father means that Christ's work on earth was pleasing to God, Christ now can perfectly intercede on our behalf, and Christ's work of salvation has been completed.

For believers, we can confidently pray to the Lord knowing that Christ has accomplished all that was needed to welcome us in to God's presence.

For non-believers, you can know that Christ has completed the work of salvation. You do not need to work to achieve it. Christ made the way, so that anyone who believes in Him and His work will be saved (John 3).