Geneva Catechism (71 - 80)

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Q. 71. How manifold are the benefits resulting to us from the resurrection?

A. Threefold. For by it righteousness was acquired for us; it is also a sure pledge to us of our immortality; and even now by virtue of it we are raised to newness of life, that by living purely and holily we may obey the will of God.

Q. 72. Let us follow out the rest.

A. ''He ascended into heaven."

Q. 73. Did he ascend so that he is no more on the earth?

A. He did. For after he had performed all the things which the Father had given him to do, and which were for our salvation, there was no need of his continuing longer on earth.

Q. 74. What good do we obtain from this ascension?

A. The benefit is twofold. For inasmuch as Christ entered heaven in our name, just as he had come down to earth on our account, he also opened up an access for us, so that the door, previously shut because of sin, is now open. Secondly, he appears in the presence of God as our advocate and intercessor.

Q. 75. But did Christ in going to heaven withdraw from us, so that he has now ceased to be with us?

A. Not at all. On the contrary, he has engaged to be with us even to the end of the world. (Matt. xxviii. 20.)

Q. 76. When we say he dwells with us, must we understand that he is bodily present?

A. No. The case of the body which was received into heaven is one thing; that of the virtue which is everywhere diffused is another. (Luke xxiv. 51; Acts i. 11.)

Q. 77. In what sense do you say that he "sitteth on the right hand of the Father?"

A. These words mean that the Father bestowed upon him the dominion of heaven and earth, so that he governs all things. (Matt. xxviii. 18.)

Q. 78. But what is meant by "right hand," and what by "sitteth?"

A. It is a similitude taken from princes, who are wont to place those on their right hand whom they make their vicegerents.

Q. 79. You therefore mean nothing more than Paul says, namely, that Christ has been appointed head of the Church, and raised above all principalities, has obtained a name which is above every name. (Eph. i. 22; Phil. ii. 9.)

A. It is as you say.

Q. 80. Let us pass on.

A. "From thence he will come to judge the quick and the dead." The meaning of these words is, that he will come openly from heaven to judge the world, just as he was seen to ascend. (Acts i. 11.)

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