The Right Hand of God
The right hand was viewed as the position of honor (1 Kings 2:19; Psalms 45:9) and signified partaking in the royal power and glory (Matthew 20:21). The Bible predicted that Christ would sit in this position with His Father in Psalms 110:1; Mark 16:19; Acts 7:56; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; 1 Peter 3:22. His seating at the right hand indicates having, not only the glory, but also the strength, of the dignified Son (Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 26:64).
After the Cross
Christ sat at the right hand of God after offering His life as a sacrifice for the human race on the cross and His resurrection (Acts 7:55–56; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 10:12…etc.). Christ’s sitting down was a setting into office, an appointment, a coronation. It was an installation with authority, a recognition of His right to exercise dominion. It was the commencement, not the end, of His ministry as the Mediator. It was the placing of God’s designation upon His mediatorial service.
The High Priest
By sitting at His right hand, the Father set His approval upon the ministry His Son had accomplished in the earth and accepted it, set Him as high priest, and sanctioned Him from now on to serve as Mediator after the order of Melchisedec (Hebrews 7:17). The seat on the right hand of the Majesty on high was offered to Christ in view of His purification of sin. He had triumphed where Adam had failed. He had earned the right to speak and act on behalf of humans.
The Son of God did not sit down to rest, He was now starting His new role. As an earthly Judge takes his seat, as the Chairman of a committee, who “takes the chair” and reports commence. So, Christ took His seat at the right hand of God, and thus received authorized acknowledgement before the gathered masses that He ministered by the appointment and will of the Father.
The Mediator
The priests in the earthly temple offered the blood of the animals the people brought to the sanctuary. It was essential that Christ as high Priest should have “somewhat also to offer” (Hebrews 8:3). This “somewhat” was not “the blood of goats and calves, but … his own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). This blood He could not offer until it had been poured out on Calvary. But as soon as it was poured out, He could start His ministry. This He did right after He was set in office. He was now a Priest forever, and was ready to intercede for man in the holy places in heaven.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
