Lord's Day 19

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

51. Q. How does the glory of Christ benefit us?
A. First, through His Holy Spirit He pours His gifts from heaven upon us His members. Second, by His power He defends us and keeps us safe from all enemies.

52. Q. How does Christ's return "to judge the living and the dead" comfort you?
A. 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. 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.

"We don't have to fear standing trial, because the judge has already stood trial in our place. Though we are guilty as sin (literally), there is no sentence left to be handed down. When you stand before the holy Son of God at the end of the age and all your deeds and thoughts are laid bare for the world to see -  all your petty jealousies, all your lustful glances, all your murderous thoughts, all your self-absorbed days - there will be nothing left to fear. There is no chance that Christ will look you up and down and cry out "Curse this one!" because He already became the curse for us. We can no more be condemned at the throne of God's judgment than God can condemn Himself a second time."

The Good News We Almost Forgot, Kevin DeYoung, Moody Publishers, 2010, pp. 98, 100.