It’s Not Where You Stand But Where Christ Sits That Matters

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Hebrews 7:25

While many Protestants do not feel bound to observe the church calendar, these annual rhythms can be helpful in understanding all that Christ is for us. One such emphasis is Ascension Day (this year: May 29, 2025). On this day, Christians reflect on the reality that Christ ascended to the right hand of the Father. Why is this important? Because it reminds us that our position with God is secure not because of where we stand but because of where Christ sits.

Hebrews 7:25 says, “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” We usually think of our salvation (the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation back to God, adoption as his children) as being secured at the cross and through the resurrection, and this is absolutely true. Yet, it is Jesus’ exaltation to the right hand of the Father which assures us that his sacrifice has been accepted by God. Christ, even now, sits in a place of authority at the right hand of the Father as our advocate in the throne room of Heaven. What is more, Ephesians 2:6 says that we are “raised and seated with him in the heavenly places.”

We not only celebrate the reality that Christ saved us by his perfect obedience, his perfect sacrifice, and his victorious resurrection. We also celebrate that he continually intercedes for us. Much like a defense attorney in a courtroom, Jesus is our perfect representative before the Father, and in him, we have full access to God. Our prayers, our worship, our very life cannot be acceptable to God on our own merit but only on the basis of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done for us. As our Great High Priest, he makes our prayers, our worship, and our life acceptable to God because “he always lives to intercede for those who draw near to God through him.”