Jesus is not idle in heaven. The New Testament repeatedly speaks of His present work: He is seated at the Father’s right hand, reigning with all authority; He intercedes for His people; and He remains the righteous Advocate and High Priest while His church waits for His return.
READ THE KEY PASSAGES
Begin with what
Scripture says.
Romans 8:34It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25He ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Psalm 110:1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
01
His finished sacrifice remains sufficient
Hebrews 10:12This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.
Hebrews says that after Christ offered one sacrifice for sins forever, He sat down at the right hand of God. His sitting does not mean His saving concern has ended. It means the atoning sacrifice is finished and never needs to be repeated.
Believers do not return to another sacrifice whenever they sin. They rest in the once-for-all work of Christ. The value of His blood does not fade, and no later human work can improve the foundation He has laid.
Jesus is seated because His atoning work is finished; He does not need to offer Himself again. His present ministry rests on a complete sacrifice.
02
Christ reigns with present authority
Ephesians 1:20–22[God] set him at his own right hand... And hath put all things under his feet.
At the right hand of God, Christ occupies the place of highest honor and authority. Ephesians says all things are under His feet. He is already Lord, Head of the church, and ruler over every power that appears strong to human eyes.
His reign is real now, though not yet displayed in its final visible fullness. The world still rebels; evil has not yet been removed; death remains an enemy. But none of that means Christ is waiting helplessly for authority. He reigns until every enemy is put under His feet.
He intercedes as the sympathetic high priest who understands human weakness yet remains without sin. Believers come boldly through Him.
03
Christ intercedes and advocates for His people
1 John 2:1We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Romans says the risen Christ makes intercession for believers. Hebrews says He ever lives to intercede; John calls Him the righteous Advocate with the Father. His advocacy rests on His finished sacrifice and His own righteous person.
This does not mean the Father is unwilling to receive believers until the Son persuades Him to be merciful. The Father sent the Son in love. The Son’s intercession is the perfect, ongoing priestly ministry within the saving purpose of the triune God.
Christ also reigns, advocates for His people, and prepares a place for them. His heavenly ministry is active, personal, and sufficient.
04
Christ prepares His people for His return
John 14:3I will come again, and receive you unto myself.
Jesus promised to prepare a place for His people and to come again. The believer’s hope is not merely that his soul will leave difficulty behind. It is to be with Christ and finally to share in the resurrection glory He has secured.
The church waits actively. Christ’s present reign calls it to worship, holiness, courage, witness, and patience. The Savior who died and rose is alive in heaven, keeping His people and moving history toward His promised return.
The church lives between Christ’s ascension and return. Her security rests in the living Savior who prays for His own and will complete their salvation.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Questions for further reading.
- 01
Why does Christ’s sitting down after His sacrifice matter?
- 02
How does His intercession differ from the idea that He must convince an unwilling Father to love believers?
- 03
How should Christ’s present reign change a believer’s life while waiting for His return?
Read patiently. Let God’s Word speak.
Jesus now reigns at the Father’s right hand, intercedes for His people as their righteous Advocate and High Priest, and awaits the day when His reign is openly displayed. His finished sacrifice and living ministry give believers present confidence and future hope.
