Page 23 - January 2023 - Truth & Tidings

the right hand of the Majesty in the heav- not only above all but far above all. God
ens (Heb 8:1). He went up by virtue of His could not honor His Son in any higher
Person; He was received up by heaven as measure.
though in rebuke to earth that had rejected The Vital Basis for Doctrine
Him. He that carried a cross to skull hill
was now carried up to heaven, there to be The ascension of our Lord Jesus is vital
addressed by His Father: “Sit thou at my to doctrinal truth. In the Hebrews epistle,
right hand, until …” (Psa 110:1). the presence of the Lord Jesus in heaven
The Victory It Declared is our surety of the New Covenant. Just as
Israel’s acceptance year by year depended
The disciples were left gazing up into on the acceptance of their High Priest on
heaven as they marked His path from the Day of Atonement, so Christ having
earth to the Father’s right hand. He passed entered into heaven is our assurance of
through the domain of Satan, the prince our acceptance. It enables us to come
of the power of the air, and went through boldly, to enter with confidence, and to
it unimpeded. All the hosts of hell had to draw near with all assurance. Throughout
step aside as the mighty conqueror strode the Hebrews letter, it is the ascension and
triumphantly through their domain (Col session of Christ at God’s right hand that
2:15). Their supposed victory at Calvary is stressed. Four times over we are told of
was their ultimate defeat. His ascension His being seated on a throne. Each men-
through their sphere demonstrated to
them their impotence and was a harbinger tion assures us that:
of their ultimate and final overthrow. • He sits on the throne of universal
The Vindication It Displayed control (Heb 1:8)
A day came when Joseph was called • He occupies a throne of unfailing
from his prison cell and ushered into the comfort (4:16)
throne room of the Pharaoh. As a token • He sits in unquestioned
of his exaltation, a ring was placed upon confidence (8:1)
Joseph’s finger, investing him with author- • His sits as the unchallenged
ity and majesty. In a far greater manner,
the glorification of God’s Son has placed champion of faith (12:1-2)
Him at the summit of universal dominion It is also the guarantee of a future for
and glory. Listen to some of the words of Israel, the Church and the nations. “This
the NT writers: same Jesus … shall so come in like man-
• “God also hath highly exalted him” ner” (Act 1:11). His feet will one day step
(Php 2:9) down on the Mount of Olives when He
• “Far above all principality, and power” shall come to reign (Zec 14:4). It assures
us of His victory at Calvary. It assures us
(Eph 1:21) of God’s satisfaction with His work on the
• “He … is the same also that ascended cross, of the ultimate triumph of all God’s
up far above all heavens (Eph 4:10) purposes and plans, and of the eternal
• “Higher than the heavens” (Heb 7:26) honor and glory due to the Son. His vi-
God has given the highest place to the carious death, victorious resurrection and
Man to whom earth gave the lowest place. visible ascension are all indispensable to
He is not just exalted but highly exalted, our salvation and blessing.

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