The Meaning Of A Seated Saviour

Often times the most insightful of truths are conveyed with few words. We find such an example early in the book of Hebrews. Expounding upon the risen and supreme Christ, the author writes, "He sat down". So, Christian, I submit to you that in these three words is contained an abundance of theology to sustain your joy and faith in the midst of whatever circumstances God asks you to endure, may they be of encouragement to you. Full text: "And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," (Hebrews 1:3).

To the believer, "He sat down" affirms a marvellous promise of God. But how so? A comparison here is necessary. And so moving forward, we come to Hebrews 10:11 and read, "Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins" (Hebrews 10:11). In view here is the old covenant sacrificial system in which our holy God communicated to Israel man's need for a covering of sins before Him. But only in the gospel of Jesus Christ did God reveal the significance and fulfilment of this sacrificial system. Such is why the author writes of the pre-Christ sacrifices, "which can never take away sins". Why so? For the reason that the animal sacrifices were all forward-pointing, typological representatives of the work Jesus would accomplish in the giving of His righteous life as the incarnate Son of God. In other words, only Jesus could provide a covering for human sin. So in the next verse, we read, "but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time," (Hebrews 10:12).

So what of the promise? The promise contained in the assurance "He sat down", is concerning the completion of Christ's purification of the believer's sin. It means Jesus achieved by virtue of His own righteousness a right standing for His people before God. When Jesus emerged from the tomb of His resurrection and later ascended into the heavens, the work providing all the believing for all time assurance of sins forgiven was finally complete. Now, He reigns in the place of all dominion and power, the right hand of the majesty of God on high, interceding on behalf of His people. So whereas the priests of old continually undertook the work of sacrifice, Christ appears once and it is done. His blood speaks better. The priest, so to speak, was never afforded a final rest from His work, never to sit down. But now in Christ Jesus, there is a finished work of atonement available for all those who would come to Him in faith and repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He died once for all, perfecting salvation of all who would believe, "For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14).

These three words, "He Sat Down", ought to instill in the believer steadfast assurance by which they take encouragement in God. In the trials of life, the unshakeable promise remains that Christ our great high priest has perfected salvation!