"Received Up Into Glory"

I Timothy 3:16

Our Savior, the incarnate God, was "received up into glory" because his work on earth was finished (John 17:4; 19:30). He sat down in heaven and "received gifts for men; yea for the rebellious also" (Psa. 68:18). As the Representative, Surety, and Forerunner of God's elect, he received all the fulness of salvation and glory that he might give the gifts of grace to us (Heb. 6:20). All the gifts of grace and glory come to us freely; but he earned and purchased them for us by his obedience unto death.

"While the echo of men's voices,`Crucify,crucify,' had scarcely died, heaven opened wide its portals, and upon receiving back its victorious King, resounded with echoes of jubilant anthem, sung by ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, `Worthy is the Lamb!'" (William Hendrickson).

Since Christ is in glory, we also are in glory representatively. We are risen together and seated with him in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6). That which we possess with him representatively now, we shall possess with him personally in the resurrection (Rom. 8:17).

It is every believer's great joy to know that Christ our Savior is the King of glory. The God-man who died to redeem us now sits upon the throne of God in heaven. There he makes perpetual intercession for chosen, redeemed sinners (Heb. 7:25). From his lofty throne in heaven he rules the universe for the everlasting good of his elect (Rom. 8:28). Seated upon the throne of universal monarchy,the Son of God sovereignly executes his purpose of grace and gives eternal life to all that the Father gave him to save (John 17:2).

This glorious, exalted Christ, who has been "received up into glory", cannot fail to accomplish his purpose and do all his will (Isa. 42:4). Men deny him, but they cannot harm him. He is exalted! Men mock his people, despise his work, make light of his name, and belittle his doctrine, but they do him no harm. Christ is exalted! His purpose and work are sure. All he came to redeem, he has redeemed (Gal. 3:13). All for whom he makes intercession are forgiven (I John 2:1-2). All he seeks to save shall be saved (Matt. 1:21). All who believe on him have everlasting life (John 3:14-16).

Don Fortner