Q: Why the next words: "and is seated at the right hand of God"?
A: Christ ascended to heaven,
there to show that he is head of his church,1
and that the Father rules all things through him.2
1 Eph. 1:20-23; Col. 1:18
2 Matt. 28:18; John 5:22-23
Q: How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?
A: First, through his Holy Spirit
he pours out his gifts from heaven
upon us his members.1
Second, by his power
he defends us and keeps us safe
from all enemies.2
1 Acts 2:33; Eph. 4:7-12
2 Ps. 110:1-2; John 10:27-30; Rev. 19:11-16
Q: How does Christ's return "to judge the living and the dead" comfort you?
A: In all my distress and persecution
I turn my eyes to the heavens
and confidently await as judge the very One
who has already stood trial in my place before God
and so has removed the whole curse from me.1
All his enemies and mine
he will condemn to everlasting punishment:
but me and all his chosen ones
he will take along with him
into the joy and the glory of heaven.2
1 Luke 21:28; Rom. 8:22-25; Phil. 3:20-21; Tit. 2:13-14
2 Matt. 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 1:6-10