+I. The first step in Christ's exaltation was the resurrection from
the dead.+--This miracle is an incontestable evidence of the truth of
the Christian religion, and an evidence of the great doctrine of the
resurrection of the body and a future life, and of the efficacy of
Christ's blood to expiate the guilt of our sins. If we believe that
Jesus died and rose again, we must believe that the same mighty power
which wrought in Him can also work in us to raise us from the dead.
+II. The next step is His ascension to heaven and session at God's
right hand+ (ver. 20). The right hand is the place of honour and
respect and denotes superior dignity. Christ sitting at God's right
hand signifies He has ceased from His labours and sufferings and
entered into a state of repose and joy, and imports authority and
power. He is exalted not only as Ruler, but also as Intercessor.
+III. The exaltation of Christ is supreme.+--His kingdom extends to
all creatures in heaven, earth, and under the earth. The government
of the natural world is in His hands, as well as the government of
the Church. He has dominion over devils. His last and most glorious
act is the judgment of the world.
+IV. The end for which Christ exercises His high and extensive
dominion+ (vers. 22, 23).--All His government is managed in reference
to the good of the Church. See how criminal and dangerous it is to
oppose the interest of the Church. If the Church is Christ's body,
let us honour it, study to preserve unity in it, labour for its
edification and comfort. Let us honour and reverence our Head, and
never presumptuously lift up ourselves against the Church.--_Lathrop._
Ver. 19. _The Power of God in Conversion._--1. The power God
exercises in converting and carrying on the work of grace to glory is
not only great, but exceeds all power that might impede that work, so
that there is no power in the devil, the world, sin, or death which
this power does not overcome nor any impotency in believers which
this greatness of power will not help and strengthen. There is no
more pregnant proof of God's omnipotent power than in converting
sinners from sin to holiness. 2. This mighty power of God extends to
all times. It works in the first conversion of believers, preserves
them in a state of grace, actuating their graces that they may grow,
and continues till their graces are perfected. 3. The experimental
knowledge of God's way of working is to be carefully sought after, to
make us thankful for His gracious working in us, in order that our
knowledge of God may be increased and our faith and hope in Him
strengthened.--_Fergusson._