If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. - Col 3:1
As Christians, we often talk about being raised with Christ and united with Him through His death and resurrection. However, another phrase that appears in the New Testament is equally significant: "where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God." This phrase, mentioned several times in the New Testament, holds deep theological meaning and has its roots in the Old Testament.
In Colossians 3:1, Paul refers to Christ seated at God’s right hand. This phrase signifies the fulfillment of one of the most frequently cited verses in the New Testament - Psalm 110. In this psalm, King David speaks of a vision he received from God, in which God promises to exalt David's descendant and place him at His right hand. This promise was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who was born into David's lineage and was seated at God's right hand through His resurrection and ascension to heaven.
The phrase "seated at the right hand of God" holds theological significance. It communicates Christ's divinity, His authority as the King of kings, and His ongoing work on behalf of His people. The right hand of God is a position of power and honour, and by being seated there, Christ shares in the glory of the Father. This position also signifies Christ's ongoing work of intercession on behalf of His people as He continues to pray for us and work for our salvation.
Furthermore, the phrase "seated at the right hand of God" also communicates the idea of victory. In the Old Testament, a victorious king would be seated at the right hand of his conqueror, signifying the enemy’s defeat. In the same way, Christ's position at the right hand of God signifies His victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. He has conquered our enemies and secured our salvation, and He will remain seated until all His enemies are subdued.
The New Testament has several references to this phrase, confirming its significance. In Mark 16:19, we read that "after the Lord Jesus had spoken to [the disciples], he was taken up into heaven, and he sat at the right hand of God." In Acts 2:33-34, Peter proclaims, “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear."
In Romans 8:34, Paul declares that "Christ Jesus who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." In Ephesians 1:20-21, Paul speaks of God's power, which "he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."
In Hebrews 1:3, the author describes Christ as "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." In Hebrews 10:12-13, the author writes that "when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since then, he has waited for his enemies to be made his footstool."
As we reflect on the phrase "seated at the right hand of God," let us remember that Christ is ruling and reigning over all creation. He has already won the victory over sin and death, and we can trust in His ongoing work on our behalf. As we await the day when all of His enemies will be made His footstool, let us live with hope and confidence in His power and authority. May we find comfort and strength in the truth that our Lord and Savior is seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us and working for our good.
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