Heidleberg Catechism
Monday, August 18, 2014 at 9:21PM 
Question 49. Of what benefit to us is Christ’s ascension into heaven?
Answer: First, he is our advocate before his Father in heaven. (a) Second, we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that he, as Head, will also take us, his members, up to himself. (b) Third, that he sends us his Spirit as an earnest, (c) by whose power we “seek, not on things that are on earth, but the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (d)
(Scriptural proofs after the fold.)
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
… and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus … .
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.
… and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
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