We Believe In Jesus: The ChristSample

Exaltation: Philippians 2:9-11

We’ll describe Jesus’ exaltation as the period of time stretching from his resurrection all the way to his future visible return. We’ll begin with a brief summary of the events from this time, and then explore some of them in more detail. 

On the first day of the week after his crucifixion and burial, Jesus rose from the dead. Over a period of forty days, he appeared to many of his disciples. He taught them about the kingdom of God, explained his role in the fulfillment of Scripture, and established the leadership of his church through the apostles. These events are recorded in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20–21, and Acts 1:1-11.

At the end of these forty days, Jesus blessed his people and ascended visibly into heaven, while angels proclaimed that he would return again. These facts are reported in Luke 24:36-53, and Acts 1:1-11.

Upon ascending into heaven, Jesus presented his death to God as an atoning sacrifice and sat down at God’s right hand. This began his rule or “session” over the affairs of his people, which will continue until he returns in glory to render judgment against his enemies and to bless his people with the new heavens and earth. We find these details in places like Ephesians 1:20-22, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, and Revelation 20:11–22:7.