Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 3:21-22.

 

“Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.”  1 Peter 3:21-22. 

 

—————–

 

 

“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;  and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.  For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”  Hebrews 9:11-14.

 

“And He (Christ) is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His (God’s) 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.

 

                              

Question 44:  How does Christ execute the office of a priest?

Answer:  Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people; and in making continual intercession for them.

Question 54:  How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?

Answer:  Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favor with God the Father, with all fullness of joy, glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth; and does gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies;  furnishes his ministers and people with gifts and graces, and makes intercession for them.

Question 55:  How does Christ make intercession?

Answer:  Christ makes intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven, in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth, declaring his will to have it applied to all believers;  Answering all accusations against them, and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and acceptance of their persons and services.

Question 49.  Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension into heaven?

Answer.  First, that he is our advocate in the presence of his Father in heaven;  secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that he, as the head, will also take up to himself, us, his members;  thirdly, that he sends us his Spirit as an earnest, by whose power we “seek the things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, and not things on earth.”

Question 50.  Why is it added, “and sitteth at the right hand of God”?

Answer.  Because Christ is ascended into heaven for this end, that he might appear as head of his church, by whom the Father governs all things.

Question 51.  What profit is this glory of Christ, our head, unto us?

Answer.  First, that by his Holy Spirit he pours our heavenly graces upon us his members;  and then that by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies.