The Apostles' Creed - Lesson 8: He ascended into heaven, Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty

The Apostles' Creed

Lesson 8: He ascended into heaven, 

Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty

I believe in God, the Father, Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord;

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

Born of the virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Was crucified, dead and buried.

He descended into hell,

And on the third day he rose again;

He ascended into heaven,

Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty,

Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy, catholic church,

The communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins,

The resurrection of the body,

And the life everlasting.

Amen.

Mark 12:36 For David himself said in the Holy Spirit, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”’

Matthew 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?

Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

[from the hymn “Peace, Perfect Peace” by Edward H. Bickersteth, Jr.]

The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is, using the Apostles' Creed, to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith and what it means to believe them. To state it simply, the goal is to teach what we believe and what it means to believe it.

The Apostles' Creed has three main sections. The second section concerns Jesus Christ, God's only son. In this lesson we will learn about the fifth part of this second section: “He ascended into heaven, Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty.”

Jesus Christ, God's only son, humbled himself, even to death on a cross (Philippians 2:8-9). For this reason, God highly exalted him. Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father.

Exalted. The prophets and apostles tell us over and over that Jesus is exalted above all earthly people and things and above all heavenly things. Angels, authorities and powers have been made subject to him. He needs only to wait until his enemies are made a footstool for his feet. Having seen his great humility in the previous sections of the creed, we now see his great exaltation. Christ suffered in his life on earth. He suffered the daily trials of life, and he suffered the shame and pain of the cross. Having endured to the end, he sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2). Through the apostles he has then promised his people that if we endure, we will also reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12).

Complete. In creation, having finished his work, God rested on the seventh day. In the work of redemption, Jesus finished the work and sat down at the right hand of the Father. He need only offer himself once for all time (Hebrews 10:12). “It is finished” (John 19:30).

In heaven on our behalf. His work of redemption is finished. Yet he is now our great high priest (Hebrews 4:14). We have an advocate with the Father who intercedes on our behalf (1 John 2:1). From heaven he sent the Holy Spirit to God's children on earth, that we may have not just the example of a heavenly life, but the power to live it as well. In heaven, he is preparing a place for his disciples, that where he is, there they may be also.

What does it mean to believe this? Those who believe that Christ ascended to God's right hand will seek the things above, where Christ is, and not set their minds on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2). If we sin, we will not give up, but will repent and humbly confess our sin to God, knowing that Jesus Christ is standing before God on our behalf. We will hold fast to our confession (Hebrews 4:14). Believing this, we will follow in his steps, the path of humility, that we too may be exalted. Through the power of God given to us, believing this we will walk in his ways to the end, enduring, that we may reign with him. Jesus Christ is seated on the throne. He is in control. What shall we fear, though the waters roar and foam? Christ has ascended. All is well.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Remind the children that we are using the Apostles' Creed to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith, that is, what we believe and what it means to believe it. Read through the Apostles' Creed with the children.

For the purpose of these lessons, we have broken the creed into twelve parts. Let the children know that today we will talk about the sixth part: ...He ascended into heaven, where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty.

Read Acts 1:1-14. This gives one account of Jesus ascending into heaven. You can ask the children a few questions about this story, such as: What did Jesus command his disciples to do? What were they supposed to wait for? How did Jesus ascend, or go up? What did the disciples think? What did the angels say?

Use Acts 7:54-60. This is the story of Stephen's death. Fill the children in briefly on who Stephen is and why he is being put to death and by whom. Then read to them this story in Acts. You could ask: Who did Stephen see? Do you think this encouraged him? What did the others do when he told them what he saw? Why do you think Stephen was so brave and merciful, even when he was being put to death? You can talk with the children about Jesus sitting on the throne, that he is in control, and so we do not need to be afraid.

If you have time, and feel that the children are able to understand, read and discuss with them a few of the additional verses that tell of Jesus and his work (or finished work) in heaven. For instance, Romans 8:34, about his intercession for us; Colossians 3:1-2, about seeking the things above; John 14:1-3, about his preparing a place for us with him; John 16:7, about him sending the Holy Spirit; etc.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Acts 1:1-14 [1] The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, [2] until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. [3] To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God’s Kingdom. [4] Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, “Don’t depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. [5] For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” [6] Therefore when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?” [7] He said to them, “It isn’t for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority. [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” [9] When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. [10] While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, [11] who also said, “You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.” [12] Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. [13] When they had come in, they went up into the upper room, where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. [14] All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Acts 7:54-60 [54] Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. [55] But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, [56] and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” [57] But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord. [58] They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” [60] He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

More Stories and Examples:

Mark 16:19-20 [19] So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. [20] They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.

Luke 24:50-53 [50] He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. [51] While he blessed them, he withdrew from them, and was carried up into heaven. [52] They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, [53] and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Other Verses:

HE ASCENDED, AND IS SEATED...

Psalm 2:1-12 [1] Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? [2] The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying, [3] “Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.” [4] He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision. [5] Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath: [6] “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.” [7] I will tell of the decree. Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father. [8] Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. [9] You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” [10] Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. [11] Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling. [12] Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 47:5 God has gone up with a shout, Yahweh with the sound of a trumpet.

Psalm 68:18 You have ascended on high. You have led away captives. You have received gifts among men, yes, among the rebellious also, that Yah God might dwell there.

Matthew 26:62-68 [62] The high priest stood up, and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?” [63] But Jesus held his peace. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.” [64] Jesus said to him, “You have said it. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky.” [65] Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy. [66] What do you think?” They answered, “He is worthy of death!” [67] Then they spit in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him, [68] saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who hit you?”

***[see also Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69]

Acts 2:32-36 [32] This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses. [33] Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear. [34] For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by my right hand, [35] until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ [36] “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 3:19-21 [19] “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, [20] and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before, [21] whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets.

Acts 5:30-32 [30] The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. [31] God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. [32] We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Romans 8:31-34 [31] What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? [33] Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

[see also 1 John 2:1]

1 Corinthians 15:22-28 [22] For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. [23] But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s, at his coming. [24] Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. [25] For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy that will be abolished is death. [27] For, “He put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when he says, “All things are put in subjection”, it is evident that he is excepted who subjected all things to him. [28] When all things have been subjected to him, then the Son will also himself be subjected to him who subjected all things to him, that God may be all in all.

Ephesians 1:15-23 [15] For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the saints, [16] don’t cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, [17] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; [18] having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might [20] which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, [21] far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. [22] He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, [23] which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 4:7-16 [7] But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. [8] Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” [9] Now this, “He ascended”, what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. [11] He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; [12] for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; [14] that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; [15] but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; [16] from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love. [see Psalm 68:18]

Philippians 2:5-11 [5] Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, [6] who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. [9] Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, [11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Colossians 3:1-6 [1] If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. [3] For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. [5] Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; [6] for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

2 Timothy 2:11-13 [11] This saying is faithful: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him. [12] If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. [13] If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself.”

Hebrews 1:8-13 [8] But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. [9] You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.” [10] And, “You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands. [11] They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. [12] You will roll them up like a mantle, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years will not fail.” [13] But which of the angels has he told at any time, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?”

Hebrews 3:1-4 [1] God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. [3] His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; [4] having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have.

Hebrews 4:14 Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession.

Hebrews 8:1-2 [1] Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, [2] a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.

Hebrews 9:24 For Christ hasn’t entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;

Hebrews 10:11-17 [11] Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins, [12] but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet. [14] For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. [15] The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, [16] “This is the covenant that I will make with them: ‘After those days,’ says the Lord, ‘I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;’” then he says, [17] “I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 [1] Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.

1 Peter 3:21-22 [21] This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.

Revelation 3:21 He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.

PSALM 110

Psalm 110:1 Yahweh says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.”

Matthew 22:41-46 [41] Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, [42] saying, “What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “Of David.” [43] He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying, [44] ‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’? [45] “If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” [46] No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.

[see also Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44]

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

John 3:13 No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.

John 6:60-62 [60] Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?” [61] But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? [62] Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?

John 14:1-4 [1] “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. [3] If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. [4] Where I go, you know, and you know the way.”

John 16:5-11 [5] But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ [6] But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart. [7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. [8] When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; [9] about sin, because they don’t believe in me; [10] about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more; [11] about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.

John 16:28-33 [28] I came from the Father, and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” [29] His disciples said to him, “Behold, now you speak plainly, and speak no figures of speech. [30] Now we know that you know all things, and don’t need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.” [31] Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? [32] Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. [33] I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

Ascending to the Father and overcoming the world seem to be connected. Enoch walked with God and did not die. Elijah was also taken by God and did not die. They were men who overcame the world, by walking with God in his ways.

John 20:16-17 [16] Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!” which is to say, “Teacher!” [17] Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”