Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:20–21
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From the Word: 20 …that he accomplished in Christ when he raised him from the dead and installed him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every title conferred—not only in this world, but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:20–21)
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
The Second Article
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ — true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary — is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, and has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all eternity. This is most certainly true!
Pulling It Together: Being at the right hand of the Father means that Christ Jesus is seated on the throne of all thrones. He has power and authority which excels all others. This has always been the goal and the will of God (Psa 110:1; Matt 22:44), so that Christ may send his own Spirit into the world to convict it of sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8). His right-handed authority is therefore, even now working powerfully through the Holy Spirit to bring people to repentance. For God longs for everyone to regret their sins, and turn to him (2 Pet 3:9). He will not rest until the full and perfect number (Rev 7:4) of an innumerable multitude of believers (Rev 7:9) have been brought into that great communion of saints, the kingdom of him who is seated at the Father’s right hand.
Prayer: Convict me, Holy Spirit, and turn me more to him who is seated at his Father’s right hand. Amen.
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The Life of Martin Luther is written in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. This nine-session adult study takes participants through the circumstances and events of the life of Martin Luther as it reflects on the biblical themes underlying the Lutheran Reformation.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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