Lesson 7: Exalted and Enthroned — The Victory and Reign of Christ
From the Grave to the Throne: Christ’s Glorification and Present Authority
The story of Jesus did not end at the cross. The humiliation of Christ—His suffering, death, and burial—was only the beginning of the most glorious exaltation the world has ever witnessed. Jesus did not remain in the tomb. He rose with power, ascended with honor, and now reigns with absolute authority. The resurrection and ascension are not merely past events; they are the eternal positioning of Christ as the exalted King of kings and Lord of lords.
As pastors and ministers of the Gospel, we must not only preach a crucified Christ but also an exalted Christ. He is not still hanging on the cross. He is not still confined to a borrowed tomb. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, enthroned in majesty, and reigning with dominion. Our authority in ministry is not rooted in emotion, charisma, or personal strength—it is rooted in the victory of the risen and exalted Christ.
Raised in Power, Declared the Son of God
Romans 1:4 tells us that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” The resurrection was the public declaration of what had always been true—Jesus is the Son of God. But it wasn’t just identity—it was power.
In rising from the dead, Jesus broke the final barrier of sin and death. He conquered the curse of the fall. 1 Corinthians 15:55–57 shouts, “O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?… Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The resurrection is not only proof of Christ’s divinity; it is the foundation of our victory. If He rose, then every promise is alive. If He rose, then healing is alive. If He rose, then your calling is backed by His power. We preach a risen Savior because a dead Jesus cannot save, heal, deliver, or reign—but the risen One can and does.
Ascended in Glory, Seated in Authority
After forty days of appearing to His disciples, Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9–11). But He didn’t just disappear—He was enthroned. Ephesians 1:20–22 paints the picture clearly: God “raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion… and gave Him to be head over all things to the church.”
The right hand of the Father is not a symbolic position. It is a place of absolute rule. Jesus is not waiting to be crowned—He is already King. He is not hoping to take control—He already reigns. The ascension was not an exit—it was a coronation.
And here’s the wonder: Ephesians 2:6 says that we have been “raised up together, and made to sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” We are not only followers of a victorious King—we are co-seated with Him. His victory is our victory. His authority is our authority. His position is our inheritance.
Given the Name Above Every Name
Philippians 2:9–11 declares, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
The name of Jesus is not merely a religious phrase—it is a declaration of lordship. It carries authority over every realm: heaven, earth, and under the earth. Demons tremble at that name. Sickness bows at that name. Depression lifts at that name.
When we pray in the name of Jesus, we are invoking the authority of the risen King. When we preach in His name, we carry the backing of heaven. When we minister healing, deliverance, or breakthrough, we do so not in our own strength, but in the name above every name.
He Is Reigning Now and Will Return in Glory
One of the great misunderstandings in the modern church is the belief that Jesus’ reign is entirely future. Yes, there is a future return. Yes, there will be a visible kingdom on earth. But Jesus is reigning now—present tense.
1 Corinthians 15:25 says, “For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.” He is actively reigning, subduing every enemy, and advancing His Kingdom through the Church. He is not a passive bystander—He is a reigning Lord.
As pastors, we must teach the Church to stop waiting on Jesus to act and start enforcing His victory. The Church is not called to survive—we are called to advance. We are not waiting for power—we have already received it. Jesus rules now, and we represent that rule on the earth.
Yes, He will return. Yes, He will come in glory. But until then, we preach, heal, cast out devils, and disciple nations in the power of a reigning Christ.
Ministry Application for Pastors
The exaltation of Christ is not just theology—it is fuel for ministry. When you understand that your Savior is seated, enthroned, and reigning, you stop operating from fear or striving. You begin to minister from rest, from authority, from confidence.
Let your preaching exalt the risen King. Let your prayers reflect heavenly authority. Let your leadership carry the presence of the One who rules the universe. Remind your people that their Savior is not struggling in a tomb—He is seated in triumph.
When you stand in the pulpit, you are not representing a religion. You are representing a King. Speak with the boldness of resurrection. Lead with the confidence of ascension. Minister with the anointing that flows from the throne of God.
Declaration of Faith
“I boldly declare that Jesus Christ is risen, exalted, and enthroned. He reigns with all power, and His name is above every name. I am seated with Him, empowered by Him, and called to represent His Kingdom on earth. I do not walk in fear—I walk in resurrection authority. My Savior is not in a grave—He is on the throne, and in His name, I live, lead, and minister with victory.”