WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM
WITH PROOF TEXTS
Question 51-60

Q. 51. What was the estate of Christ’s exaltation?

A. The estate of Christ’s exaltation comprehendeth his resurrection,[202] ascension,[203] sitting at the right hand of the Father,[204] and his coming again to judge the world.[205]

Q. 52. How was Christ exalted in his resurrection?

A. Christ was exalted in his resurrection, in that, not having seen corruption in death, (of which it was not possible for him to be held,)[206] and having the very same body in which he suffered, with the essential properties thereof,[207] (but without mortality, and other common infirmities belonging to this life,) really united to his soul,[208] he rose again from the dead the third day by his own power;[209] whereby he declared himself to be the Son of God,[210] to have satisfied divine justice,[211] to have vanquished death, and him that had the power of it,[212] and to be Lord of quick and dead:[213] all which he did as a public person,[214] the head of his church,[215] for their justification,[216] quickening in grace,[217] support against enemies,[218] and to assure them of their resurrection from the dead at the last day.[219]

Q. 53. How was Christ exalted in his ascension?

A. Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that having after his resurrection often appeared unto and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God,[220] and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nations,[221] forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head,[222] triumphing over enemies,[223] visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men,[224] to raise up our affections thither,[225] and to prepare a place for us,[226] where he himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world.[227]

Q. 54. How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?

A. Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favour with God the Father,[228] with all fulness of joy,[229] glory,[230] and power over all things in heaven and earth;[231] and does gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies; furnisheth his ministers and people with gifts and graces,[232] and maketh intercession for them.[233]

Q. 55. How doeth Christ make intercession?

A. Christ maketh intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven,[234] in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth,[235] declaring his will to have it applied to all believers;[236] answering all accusations against them,[237] and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings,[238] access with boldness to the throne of grace,[239] and acceptance of their persons[240] and services.[241]

Q. 56. How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world?

A. Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world, in that he, who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men,[242] shall come again at the last day in great power,[243] and in the full manifestation of his own glory, and of his Father’s, with all his holy angels,[244] with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God,[245] to judge the world in righteousness.[246]

Q. 57. What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation?

A. Christ, by his mediation, hath procured redemption,[247] with all other benefits of the covenant of grace.[248]

Q. 58. How do we come to be made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured?

A. We are made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath procured, by the application of them unto us,[249] which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost.[250]

Q. 59. Who are made partakers of redemption through Christ?

A. Redemption is certainly applied, and effectually communicated, to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it;[251] who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel.[252]

Q. 60. Can they who have never heard the gospel, and so know not Jesus Christ, nor believe in him, be saved by their living according to the light of nature?

A. They who, having never heard the gospel,[253] know not Jesus Christ,[254] and believe not in him, cannot be saved,[255] be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature,[256] or the laws of that religion which they profess;[257] neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ alone,[258] who is the Savior only of his body the church.[259]


[202]1 Corinthians 15:4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

[203] Mark 16:19. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

[204] Ephesians 1:20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.

[205] Acts 1:11. Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 17:31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

[206] Acts 2:24, 27. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.... Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

[207] Luke 24:39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

[208] Romans 6:9. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. Revelation 1:18. I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

[209] John 10:18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

[210] Romans 1:4. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

[211] Romans 8:34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

[212] Hebrews 2:14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

[213] Romans 14:9. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

[214] 1 Corinthians 15:21-22. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

[215] Ephesians 1:20-23. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Colossians 1:18. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

[216] Romans 4:25. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

[217] Ephesians 2:1, 5-6. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.... Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Colossians 2:12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

[218] 1 Corinthians 15:25-27. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

[219] 1 Corinthians 15:20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

[220] Acts 1:2-3. Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

[221] Matthew 28:19-20. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

[222] Hebrews 6:20. Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

[223] Ephesians 4:8. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

[224] Acts 1:9-11. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Ephesians 4:10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Psalm 68:18. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

[225] Colossians 3:1-2. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

[226] John 14:3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

[227] Acts 3:21. Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

[228] Philippians 2:9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.

[229] Acts 2:28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Psalm 16:11. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

[230] John 17:5. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

[231] Ephesians 1:22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. 1 Peter 3:22. Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

[232] Ephesians 4:10-12. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Psalm 110:1. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

[233] Romans 8:34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

[234] Hebrews 9:12, 24. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.... For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.

[235] Hebrews 1:3. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.

[236] John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 17:9, 20, 24. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.... Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.... Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

[237] Romans 8:33-34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

[238] Romans 5:1-2. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 1 John 2:1-2. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

[239] Hebrews 4:16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

[240] Ephesians 1:6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

[241] 1 Peter 2:5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

[242] Acts 3:14-15. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

[243] Matthew 24:30. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

[244] Luke 9:26. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.Matthew 25:31. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.

[245] 1 Thessalonians 4:16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

[246] Acts 17:31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

[247] Hebrews 9:12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

[248] 2 Corinthians 1:20. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

[249] John 1:11-12. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

[250] Titus 3:5-6. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

[251] Ephesians 1:13-14. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. John 6:37, 39. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.... And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 10:15-16. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

[252] Ephesians 2:8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 2 Corinthians 4:13. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.

[253] Romans 10:14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

[254] 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Ephesians 2:12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. John 1:10-12. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

[255] John 8:24. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Mark 16:16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

[256] 1 Corinthians 1:20-24. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

[257] John 4:22. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. Romans 9:31-32. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone. Philippians 3:4-9. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

[258] Acts 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

[259] Ephesians 5:23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

웨스터 민스터 대요리문답
51항 - 60항

문 51. 그리스도의 높아지심은 어떠한가?
답. 그리스도의 높아지심은 그의 부활, 승천, 성부의 우편에 앉으심과 세상을 심판하기 위해 다시 오심을 포함한다.
(고전15:4; 막16:19; 엡1:20; 행1:11, 17:31)

문 52. 그리스도께서 그의 부활에서 어떻게 높아지셨는가?
답. 그리스도께서 그의 부활에서 높아지심은(그가 사망에게 매여 있을 수 없어) 사망 중에 썩음을 보지 않으신 것과 고난받으신 바로 그 몸이 본질적 특성을 그대로 가지고(사망성과 기타 현세에 속하는 공통적 연약성이 없이) 그의 영혼과 실지로 연합되어 그의 권능으로 사흘만에 죽은 자 가운데서 다시 살아나심을 말한다. 이로써 하나님의 아들이심과 하나님의 공의를 만족시키시고 사망과 사망의 권세 잡은 자를 정복하신 것과 산 자와 죽은 자의 주가 되심을 친히 선포하셨다. 그가 공적 인물로서 자기 교회의 머리로서 하신 모든 것은 믿는 자들을 칭의 하시고 은혜로 새 생명을 주시고 원수들에 대항하여 이기게 하시고 마지막 날에 그들을 죽은 자 가운데서 다시 살리실 것을 그들에게 확신시키시기 위한 것이었다.
(행2:24; 시16:10; 눅24:39; 요10:18; 롬1:4, 4:25, 14:9; 히2:14; 고전15:20-22, 25, 26; 엡1:22, 23, 2:56; 살전4:13-18)

문 53. 그리스도께서 그의 승천에서 어떻게 높아지셨는가?
답. 그리스도께서 그의 승천에서 높아지심은 부활하신 후 그의 사도들에게 자주 나타나 담화하시며 그들에게 하나님의 나라에 관한 일들을 말씀하시며 모든 족속에게 복음 전하라는 사명을 주시고 부활 후 사십 일이 되는 날 우리의 성품을 가지시고 우리의 머리로서 원수를 이기시고 사람들이 보는 가운데 가장 높은 하늘로 올라가심을 말한다. 거기서 사람들을 위하여 선물을 받으시고 우리로 그 곳을 사모하게 하시며 우리를 위하여 있을 곳을 예비하시니, 그 곳은 곧 주님이 계시는 곳이요 세상 끝 날에 재림하실 때까지 계실 곳이다.
(행1:2, 3, 9-11, 3:21; 마28:19, 20; 히6:20; 엡4:8, 10; 시68:18; 골3:1; 요14:3)

문 54. 그리스도께서 하나님 우편에 앉아 계심으로 어떻게 높아지셨는가?
답. 그리스도께서 하나님 우편에 앉아 계심에서 높아지심은 하나님이요 사람으로서 성부 하나님의 지극한 은총을 입은 것과 기쁨과 영광과 천지 만물을 다스리는 권세를 충만히 가지시고 그의 교회를 모으시고 옹호하시며 그들의 원수들을 정복하시며 그의 사역 자들과 백성에게 은사와 은혜를 주시고 그들을 위하여 간구하심에서다.
(빌2:9; 행2:28; 시16:11, 110:1; 요17:5; 엡1:22, 4:10-12; 벧전3:22; 롬8:34)

문 55. 그리스도께서 어떻게 우리를 위하여 대신 간구하시는가?
답. 그리스도께서 우리를 위하여 대신 간구하심은 하늘에 계신 아버지 앞에 우리의 인성으로 지상에서 이루신 자신의 순종과 제사의 공로로 계속해서 나타나셔서 모든 신자들에게 자기의 공로를 적용시키려는 자기의 뜻을 선포하심을 가리킨다. 곧 신자들에 대한 모든 비난과 고발을 답변하시며, 매일 실수함에도 불구하고 그들에게 양심의 평안을 주시며 은혜의 보좌에 담대히 나갈 수 있게 하시며 그들 자신과 그들의 봉사가 수납되게 하신다.
(히9:12, 24, 1:3, 4:16; 요3:16, 17:9, 20, 24; 롬8:33, 34, 5:12; 요일2:1, 2; 엡1:6; 벧전2:5)

문 56. 세상을 심판하러 다시 오심으로 그리스도께서 어떻게 높아지실 것인가?
답. 세상을 심판하러 다시 오심으로 그리스도께서 높아지심은 악인들에게 불의 하게 재판을 받아 정죄되신 주께서 마지막 날에 큰 권능과 자기의 영광과 그 아버지의 영광을 완전히 드러내면서 그의 모든 거룩한 천사들과 함께 큰 외침과 천사장의 호령 소리와 하나님의 나팔 소리 가운데 다시 오셔서 세상을 공의로 심판하심으로 나타난다.
(행3:14, 15, 17:31; 마24:30, 25:31; 눅9:26; 살전4:16)
문 57. 그리스도께서 그의 중보로 무슨 유익을 주시는가?
답. 그리스도께서는 그의 중보로 은혜계약의 다른 모든 혜택과 함께 구속을 주셨다.
(히9:12; 고후1:20)

문 58. 우리는 어떻게 그리스도께서 얻으신 혜택에 참여할 수 있게 될 것인가?
답. 우리가 그리스도께서 얻으신 혜택에 참여할 수 있게 됨은 특히 성령 하나님의 역사에 의해 이 혜택을 우리에게 적용하심으로써 이다.
(요1:11, 12; 딛3:5, 6)

문 59, 누가 그리스도로 말미암은 구속에 참여할 수 있는가?
답. 그리스도께서 구속하신 모든 사람에게 확실히 적용되며 유효하게 전달된다. 그들은 때가 이르면 성령으로 말미암아 복음을 통하여 그리스도를 믿을 수 있게 된다.
(엡1:13, 14, 2:8; 요4:37, 39, 10:15, 16; 고후4:13)

문 60. 복음을 들어본 일이 없음으로 예수 그리스도를 알지도 못하고 믿지도 않는 사람들이 이성의 빛에 따 라 삶으로 구원을 얻을 수 있는가?
답. 복음을 들어본 일이 없으므로 예수 그리스도를 알지도 못하고 믿지도 않은 사람들은 제아무리 부지런하고 자기의 생활을 본성의 빛에 맞추려고 애쓰거나 그들이 믿는 종교의 율법을 지키려 하여도 구원을 얻을 수 없다. 그리스도밖에는 어떠한 곳에도 구원이 없고 오로지 그리스도 안에만 있으니 그는 자기 몸 된 교회만의 구주이신 것이다.
(롬10:14, 9:31, 32; 살후1:8, 9; 엡2:12, 5:23; 요1:10-12, 8:24, 4:22; 막16:16; 고전1:20-24; 빌 3:4-9; 행4:1, 2)