The reality of Jesus’s resurrection should give us hope and confidence in this world, knowing that though we die, we shall be raised from the dead just like Jesus. Last week’s blog taught us that Jesus presently lives to offer prayers for us, bringing us in the Father’s presence. Our salvation with God is secured because of what Jesus has done for us. There is another concept related to the living Christ’s present work that theologians have written about but we often do not consider. This idea is the “session” of Christ – the idea that Jesus Christ now sits at the right hand of God the Father.
The Meaning of “Session”
The idea of “Christ’s session” might seem a bit odd at first, but when we consider the imagery and background a bit more, it takes on new significance. The root idea behind this is the “act of sitting down” (from the Latin sessio), but the implication is not that one is relaxing, but rather one is now in authority. What does a judge do when he or she enters the courtroom? Sits down – and the court is now in session! When members of Congress are sitting in their seats in Washington, they are in session and have the authority to enact and bring forth legislation. When discussing Christ’s “session,” it is the idea that Christ is seated at the right hand of God the Father and has been exalted and given authority to reign and rule until he comes again.
The Biblical Basis of Christ’s Session
Psalm 110 is the Psalm that the New Testament quotes the most often, and the idea of the session of Jesus is found in it, as David writes, “The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool’” (Matthew 22:43). This is a prophecy of the work of the Messiah that we see fulfilled in Jesus. In Matthew 26:64 and Luke 22:69, Jesus himself refers to his place at the right hand of God, and then after the ascension, Peter declares in Acts 2:34-35 that Jesus has fulfilled this position (see also Acts 5:31). We also see the writers of the New Testament note that Jesus is at the right hand of God with power and authority (Ephesians 1:20-21), having angels, authorities, and powers under his power (1 Peter 3:22). He will be doing this until all enemies have been put under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:25; also see Hebrews 19:12); he is reigning and ruling from this spot until he will return. Therefore, there is a strong basis for the claim found in the Apostles’ Creed that Christ now sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
The Significance of Christ’s Session
Since God does not have a body, the idea that Christ is at the right hand of God is clearly metaphorical, meant to reveal truths that will help us worship and follow Him. If Christ’s mercy is on display in his intercession, his power is on display when it comes to his session. We see that He has the power to defend and fight for His church. He is not passively watching to see how things will play out after doing his part. No, he is at his rightful place (the place he was before he came to earth) and is gathering God’s people and defending the church against the attacks of the enemy. This rule can happen through a variety of ways, including the use of angelic messengers and also God’s people. His session also is a reminder that we are called to have all areas fall under his reign and rule; we should honor and glorify Jesus in all aspects of our life and should seek to think through how His rule in heaven affects what and how we do things. Ultimately, the session of Christ is a reminder of His active power right now and the honor that He deserves. Because He lives – I should worship Him with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
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