Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 19

After His resurrection and ascension, Christ was seated at the right hand of God. The Catechism doesn’t want us to miss what that means: He didn’t return to heaven to rest. He reigns. And His reign isn’t distant. It’s present, personal, and purposeful.

When life feels chaotic, or evil seems unchecked, or suffering goes unanswered, we need to remember where Christ is—and what He’s doing.

Question 50

Why the next words: “and is seated at the right hand of God”?
Christ ascended to heaven,
there to show that He is head of His church,
and that the Father rules all things through Him.¹

¹ Psalm 110:1; Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; Colossians 1:18

Question 51

How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?
First, through His Holy Spirit
He pours out His gifts from heaven
upon us His members.
Second, by His power
He defends us and keeps us safe
from all enemies.²

² Acts 2:33; Ephesians 4:7–12; Psalm 2:9–12; John 10:27–30

Question 52

How does Christ’s return “to judge the living and the dead” comfort you?
In all my distress and persecution
I turn my eyes to the heavens
and confidently await as judge
the very One who has already stood trial
in my place before God
and so has removed the whole curse from me.

All His enemies and mine
He will condemn to everlasting punishment:
but me and all His chosen ones
He will take along with Him
into the joy and glory of heaven.³

³ Luke 21:27–28; Romans 8:22–25, 33–34; Philippians 3:20–21; Titus 2:13–14; 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10; Matthew 25:31–46

The Right Hand of Power and Mercy

To be seated at the right hand of God is to hold the place of highest authority. Jesus occupies that seat not as a symbolic gesture, but as the true King of heaven and earth.

The Catechism reminds us: He is not only our Savior. He is our Head. He governs all things—especially His church. Nothing happens apart from His knowledge. Nothing escapes His power. And nothing threatens His purpose.

That’s not just doctrinal. It’s deeply personal. Because this King knows your name. He doesn’t rule in abstraction. He rules for your good. Every gift you receive, every protection you experience, every moment of endurance or strength or grace—that’s the risen Christ reigning on your behalf.

Gifts and Protection

What does it mean to belong to a reigning Christ?

First, it means we are never without resources. He pours out His Spirit. He gives His people gifts—not just talents, but supernatural capacities to serve, to endure, to build up the church. No believer is left out. No Christian is forgotten. The risen King gives what is needed, when it is needed.

Second, it means we are never unprotected. The enemies of our faith are real—sin, temptation, Satan, and death. But none of them outrank Christ. He defends His people. Not always by removing danger, but by keeping us through it. And when we suffer, we do so under the hand of a Savior who already bore the worst suffering in our place.

The Judge Who Was Judged

The final question in this Lord’s Day turns toward the Second Coming. It could be a source of fear—until you remember who the Judge is.

The One who will return to judge the living and the dead is the same One who already stood in your place. He bore the verdict. He removed the curse. So when He returns, it won’t be to crush you, but to claim you.

This is not a threat. It’s a comfort. All evil will be exposed. All wrongs will be answered. And those who belong to Christ will be brought into joy—not because they were righteous, but because their righteousness is already seated at the right hand of the Father.

A Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You are seated in power and clothed in glory. You reign—not in theory, but in truth. You rule over nations and storms, over enemies and fears, and over every detail of my life. Thank You for pouring out Your gifts and guarding me with Your hand. Thank You that You, the Judge, have already taken my place. Because of You, I do not fear condemnation—I wait in hope. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Right every wrong. Heal every wound. Finish what You’ve begun. And until that day, help me to live not in fear, but in faith. You are my King. I belong to You. Amen.

Daily Bible Readings

New Testament in a Year
May 11 – Luke 23:1–25
May 12 – Luke 23:26–56
May 13 – Luke 24:1–35
May 14 – Luke 24:36–53
May 15 – John 1:1–28
May 16 – John 1:29–51
May 17 – John 2:1–25

The Bible in a Year
May 11 – 2 Kings 9–10; Luke 23:1–25
May 12 – 2 Kings 11–13; Luke 23:26–56
May 13 – 2 Kings 14–15; Luke 24:1–35
May 14 – 2 Kings 16–17; Luke 24:36–53
May 15 – 2 Kings 18–19; John 1:1–28
May 16 – 2 Kings 20–22; John 1:29–51
May 17 – 2 Kings 23–25; John 2:1–25