Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is seated at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. This is a key doctrine in Christian theology that is supported by several verses in the Bible. Understanding where Jesus is seated and what this represents helps us grasp a deeper meaning of His role in the Kingdom of Heaven.
What Does it Mean That Jesus Sits at God’s Right Hand?
The right hand of God is a position of authority, power, and honor. To be seated at someone’s right hand signifies that you share in the dignity, authority, and power of that person. So when the Bible says that Jesus sits at the right hand of God, it means that after His ascension, Jesus resumed His divine glory and was given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
Jesus occupying the place of highest honor as part of the divine Trinity points to His equality with God. Philippians 2:9 says that God “highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name.” Jesus spoke of sharing the glory of the Father before His death on the cross (John 17:5). Now seated in heaven, Jesus possesses the fullness of divine power and majesty.
Bible Verses about Jesus Seated at God’s Right Hand
Here are some of the main Bible passages that teach about Jesus being seated in the place of honor and authority at the Father’s right hand:
- Mark 16:19 – “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”
- Luke 22:69 – “But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
- Acts 7:55-56 – “But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
- Romans 8:34 – “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
- Ephesians 1:20-21 – “[God] raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
- Colossians 3:1 – “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
- Hebrews 1:3 – “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
- Hebrews 10:12 – “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.”
These verses teach us that Jesus shares the Father’s authority, exercises divine power, serves as our intercessor, and reigns over all things in heaven and on earth.
What is the Significance of Jesus Being Seated?
An important detail in these passages is that Jesus is described as “seated” at God’s right hand. This was a problem for some early Jewish believers who expected the Messiah to be standing in victory and ready for battle against earthly enemies. But the seating indicates a position of rest and supreme authority.
Christ’s sitting down signifies:
- His finished work of redemption – By sitting down, Jesus demonstrates that His sacrificial work is completed and accepted by the Father (Hebrews 10:11-12).
- His exaltation and enthronement – Jesus’ position of honor at God’s right hand fulfills the promise that the Messiah would ascend to David’s throne and reign forever over an eternal Kingdom (Luke 1:32-33).
- His work of intercession – The Bible says Jesus “always lives to make intercession” for those who approach God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). His intercession before the Father, seated in heaven, is an important part of His ongoing ministry.
- His authority over all things – Ephesians 1 says Jesus is seated “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” – this points to His absolute sovereignty over the universe and all spiritual forces.
In summary, the enthronement of Christ at God’s right hand is incredibly meaningful because it demonstrates His divinity, eternal reign, and power and authority over all creation.
When Did Jesus Sit Down at God’s Right Hand?
According to Scripture, Jesus sat down at the Father’s right hand after His ascension into heaven. Mark 16:19 describes Christ being “taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” Other verses associate Jesus’ seating with His resurrection, ascension, and glorification by the Father:
- Acts 2:33 – “Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God…”
- Acts 5:31 – “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior…”
- Philippians 2:9 – “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.”
- 1 Peter 3:22 – “Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God.”
Based on these verses, we can conclude that Christ sat down at God’s right hand after ascending to heaven, which occurred 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3, 9). Jesus now exists in Heaven in His glorified state, occupying the position of divine majesty and authority.
What is Jesus Doing Now at God’s Right Hand?
Currently seated at the Father’s right hand, Jesus serves as:
- Our great high priest – Jesus intercedes for believers before God’s throne and grants us access into God’s presence (Hebrews 4:14-16).
- The head of the church – Jesus fills the church with His power and authority, serving as its leader, provider, and sustainer (Ephesians 1:22-23).
- The ruler of God’s kingdom – All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus, and He reigns over a kingdom that will never end (Matthew 28:18, Luke 1:33).
- Our advocate – When we sin, Jesus defends us before the Father and pleads our case on the basis of His finished work (1 John 2:1).
Jesus both prays for us and prepares a place for us from His position at the Father’s right hand (John 14:2-3). He governs the universe and has “angels, authorities, and powers” in submission to Him (1 Peter 3:22). And one day, “[He] will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).
So in summary, Jesus now ministers on our behalf in His exalted state, executes His rule, and prepares for His return – all from the place of highest honor at God’s right hand.
Conclusion
Jesus being seated at the right hand of God the Father is an essential Christian doctrine that is supported throughout Scripture. His position signifies victory, authority, power, and unending dominion over all things in heaven and on earth. Jesus now governs the Kingdom, intercedes for believers, and is preparing for the day when He will return bodily to establish the new heavens and new earth.
The enthronement of Christ is good news for all who belong to Him. We can take great joy and comfort in knowing our Savior is now seated in glory, working on our behalf as the right hand of God Almighty.
