Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

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1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

From the Confessions: The Apostles’ Creed

He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

Pulling It Together: Christ was not raised from the dead and ascended to the Father so that he would simply escape from death and this earth. He rose and ascended so that we could join him. If we have died with Christ through faith in him, we too will not only be raised from the dead but will ascend to the Lord (1 Thes 4:17).

We need not be concerned over our future. It is secure in Christ, so we are freed and empowered to live the risen and ascended life now. We already walk in newness of life and we should already be living the ascended life as well. William Temple said, “If we are traveling heavenward, we are already in heaven.” Prayer and worship are part of walking in a heavenly manner. Christianity is more than looking forward to eternal life; we must also make the most of this life for Christ's sake.

Christ died and rose and ascended so that we would live such lives as bring him glory and honor. Then, after this earthly life is over, we will see what glory truly is, for we will see him at the right hand of the Father. We will look upon him face-to-face and share his glory (Rom 8:17). All this Christ accomplished when he ascended to his Father's right hand.

Prayer: We long to see you in glory, Lord, even so, help us live gloriously now. Amen.


Baptized: Marked for Living is a series of meditations developed in an attempt to use the Lenten season as a time for reflection upon who we are as God's covenant children in baptism and how we are to live as people forever marked with the cross of Christ. Using symbols appropriate to the theme, each person or family is shown how to create a "home altar" as the centerpiece of their Lenten baptismal journey.


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