The phrase “and is seated at the right hand of the Father” from the Nicene Creed speaks of the enthronement and glory of Jesus Christ in heaven. It affirms that after his ascension, Jesus took his rightful place at the Father’s side, signifying his supreme authority, power, and reign over all creation.
Theological Background:
- Kingship and Lordship: “Seated at the right hand” symbolizes Jesus’ kingship and lordship over all creation. It signifies his victory over sin and death and his role as the ultimate judge and ruler.
- Divine Authority: This position denotes Jesus’ participation in the Father’s divine authority and power. He shares in the Father’s glory and reigns with him in eternity.
- Intercession and Mediation: From his place at the Father’s right hand, Jesus intercedes for humanity. He acts as our advocate and mediator, presenting our prayers and needs before God.
- Eternal Reign: This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ’s reign. His kingdom has no end, and his authority extends over all time and space.
Scriptural References:
- Psalm 110:1: “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'” This Old Testament verse is interpreted as a prophecy of Jesus’ enthronement in heaven.
- Mark 16:19: “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” This verse describes Jesus’ ascension and his enthronement at God’s right hand.
- Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is 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.” This verse highlights Jesus’ role in creation and redemption and his subsequent enthronement in heaven.
Church Councils:
- Council of Nicaea (325 AD): The Nicene Creed includes this phrase to affirm Jesus’ divine authority and his participation in the Father’s glory.
- Council of Constantinople (381 AD): This council expanded the Nicene Creed, further emphasizing the significance of Jesus’ enthronement at the Father’s right hand.
Summary:
The line “and is seated at the right hand of the Father” is a powerful declaration of Jesus’ kingship, lordship, and divine authority. It signifies his victory over death, his eternal reign, and his role as our intercessor and mediator. This teaching is grounded in Scripture, particularly the Psalms and the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ ascension, and has been affirmed by the Church throughout its history. It invites us to contemplate the majesty of Christ’s reign and to find hope in his ongoing presence and intercession for us in heaven. The Nicene Creed declares the triumphant culmination of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. It affirms that after his resurrection, Jesus returned to his Father in heaven, where he reigns in glory and intercedes for humanity.
Reflection
“And is seated at the right hand of the Father.” These words, resounding with regal majesty, paint a picture of Christ enthroned in heavenly glory. Yet, this image of supreme power and authority also reveals a profound intimacy within the Trinity, inviting us to draw closer to the heart of God.
Imagine: Jesus, the Son of God, who walked among us, who suffered and died, now sits in majesty at the Father’s right hand. This is not a picture of distant power, but of intimate communion. The Father, in boundless love, welcomes his Son back to the glory they shared before time began. The Son, in perfect obedience, takes his rightful place, sharing in the Father’s authority and reign. And the Holy Spirit, the bond of love between them, flows forth from their presence, empowering and uniting all creation.
As we reflect on this image of Christ enthroned, we are invited to enter into this divine embrace. We are reminded that our true citizenship is in heaven, where Christ reigns in glory. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, seeking the things that are above, where Christ is seated with the Father.
This enthronement is not a passive state of rest, but a dynamic expression of Christ’s ongoing work. From his place at the Father’s right hand, he intercedes for us, presenting our prayers and needs before God. He rules over all creation, guiding and sustaining all things by his powerful word.
The image of Christ seated at the Father’s right hand also speaks of his victory over sin and death. He has conquered the powers of darkness and opened the way for us to share in his triumph. We can approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we have an advocate who pleads our cause before the Father.
Every moment becomes an opportunity to encounter the Trinity in a new way. In the beauty of creation, we see the Father’s handiwork, reflecting the glory of his Son. In acts of love and service, we participate in Christ’s ongoing ministry of compassion and redemption. In moments of quiet prayer and contemplation, we open ourselves to the Spirit’s guidance, drawing us closer to the heart of God.
As we grow in intimacy with our Trinitarian God, our lives are transformed by the reality of Christ’s enthronement. We live with confidence and hope, knowing that we have a King who reigns in power and intercedes for us before the Father. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be his witnesses in the world, extending his kingdom of love and justice. This is the invitation of the Nicene Creed: to embrace the reality of Christ’s enthronement, to live in the light of his victory, and to find our true home in the loving embrace of the Trinity.
Discussion Questions For Prayer and Reflection
Personal Reflection:
- Visualize the Scene: Take a moment to close your eyes and visualize Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father. What emotions and thoughts arise as you contemplate this image? How does it make you feel about your relationship with Him?
- Embrace Your Citizenship: The reflection mentions that our true citizenship is in heaven. How does this awareness impact your daily life and choices? How can you live with an eternal perspective, seeking the things above?
- Experience His Intercession: Reflect on a time when you felt Jesus interceding for you in prayer. How did this experience strengthen your faith and trust in Him? How can you become more aware of His ongoing intercession in your life?
Deeper Understanding:
- Explore the Trinity: How does the image of Christ enthroned deepen your understanding of the Trinity? How does it illuminate the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
- Define Intimacy: What does intimacy with God mean to you? How does this reflection challenge or expand your understanding of intimacy with the Trinity?
Application and Growth:
- Encountering the Trinity: The reflection suggests ways to encounter the Trinity in creation, service, and prayer. Which of these resonates most with you? How can you intentionally seek these encounters in your daily life?
- Living with Confidence: How does the knowledge of Christ’s enthronement and victory empower you to live with greater confidence and hope? How can you share this hope with others?
- Extending His Kingdom: How can you participate in Christ’s ongoing ministry of compassion and redemption? What specific actions can you take to extend His kingdom of love and justice in your community?
Going Deeper Still:
- Scriptural Exploration: Choose one of the Scripture references provided and meditate on it. How does this passage enhance your understanding of Christ’s enthronement and its significance for your life?
- Creative Expression: How can you express your growing intimacy with the Trinity through creative means, such as writing, art, music, or prayer?
By engaging with these questions, readers can delve deeper into the meaning of Christ’s enthronement and cultivate a more intimate relationship with their Trinitarian God. These prompts encourage personal reflection, theological exploration, and practical application, fostering a richer and more meaningful faith journey.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post