By Gary Ray Branscome
“Christ's state of
exaltation began with His return to life in the grave, and exhibited itself to
the lower world by His descent into hell, to the world by His glorious
resurrection, and to the highest heavens by His ascension and session at the
right hand of God the Father.” (John Theodore Mueller, “Christian Dogmatics,” page 295.) The words, “He humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God has
also highly exalted him, and given him a name that is above every name: That at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, and on earth, and under the
earth,” summarize the doctrine of Christ’s
exaltation (Philippians 2:8-10). As do the words, “He [God] raised Him
[Christ] from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly
places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to
come, and has put all things under His feet” (Ephesians 1:20-22). [See Eph.
4:10.]
By telling us that Christ, “Was raised
again for our justification,” and that, “If Christ did not rise, our
preaching is a waste of time, and your faith is worthless,” the Bible tells
us that Christ’s exaltation also took place for our salvation (Romans