The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
In this Session, we will discuss the next line of the Apostles' Creed: "The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead."
We will discuss three crucial aspects of Christ's life and ministry:
His Resurrection
His Ascension
His Return
Part 1
The Resurrection of Jesus
Key Points from Part 1
The theological significance of Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
The resurrection ensures our justification before God the Father.
The resurrection gives us assurance that we have new life today.
The resurrection gives us assurance that we will have eternal life.
Review Questions
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The resurrection shows us that God the Father accepted the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. It shows us that what Jesus did on the cross atoned for our sins. And it shows us that God the Father was pleased with Him.
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Christians are united with Christ in His death, so that we die to sin. We are also united with Him in His resurrection so that we are made alive to live righteously. The resurrection means that we are no longer slaves to sin and are freed from it’s power.
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Yes. The resurrection of Jesus assures us that Jesus will also resurrect our physical bodies from the dead when He returns again. Our bodies will be made new and perfect, and we will be with Him forever.
Key Points from Part 2
He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
The ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father shows us that His work is complete.
The ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father allowed Him to pour out the Holy Spirit.
The ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father indicates that Christ has been given supreme and total authority over the entire universe.
Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead.
Our destinations do not depend on our works, rather, it depends on whether or not we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Review Questions
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Vindication of Christ
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We received the Holy Spirit, who has come to dwell within us.
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Everything, for all time.
Questions for Further Discussion
Would the gospel still be good news without the resurrection? Why or why not?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. Why does Paul say that we are most to be pitied if Jesus was not raised?
Is it possible to know that you are saved? How can you know?
Why is it significant that Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father? What does this position next to the Father demonstrate about Jesus?
When Jesus comes to judge the world, what do you think He will say about you?