Podcast Summary: "What Is the State of Exaltation?"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung
• Host/Author: Crossway
• Episode: What Is the State of Exaltation?
• Release Date: July 22, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "What Is the State of Exaltation?" Pastor Kevin DeYoung delves into the profound theological concept of Christ's exaltation. Building upon the foundational elements of the Apostles' Creed, DeYoung elucidates the multifaceted aspects of Christ’s resurrection, ascension, session, and eventual return. This comprehensive exploration not only affirms traditional Christian doctrines but also addresses contemporary tendencies to overlook critical components of Christ’s exalted state.

Resurrection: The Cornerstone of Faith

Kevin DeYoung begins by emphasizing the paramount importance of Christ's resurrection. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:17, he states, "If Christ has not been raised, our faith is useless and we are still dead in our trespasses and sins" (01:28). The resurrection is portrayed not merely as a miraculous event but as the foundational proof of Jesus’ divine authority and the validity of the Christian faith.

Key Points:

• Historical Significance: Unlike other miraculous resurrections recorded in Scripture, such as Jairus' daughter or Lazarus, Christ’s resurrection initiated a historical turning point, validating His divine nature and mission.

• Physical Transformation: DeYoung underscores that Jesus’ resurrection was a physical transformation. "He is thinking about a physical body... from Jesus and there are some in a few other places as well," he notes (02:03), distinguishing it from spiritual or metaphorical resurrections.

• Victory Over Death: Referencing Acts 2:24, DeYoung explains, "God raised him up loosing the pangs of death because it was not possible for him to be held by it" (04:45). This signifies the ultimate triumph over death, assuring believers of their own future resurrection.

Notable Quote:

"The resurrection tells us that God's justice has been satisfied. All of those are reasons to see the uniqueness of Christ's resurrection." – Speaker 3 (05:24)

Ascension: The Transition to Glory

Transitioning from the resurrection, DeYoung addresses the often-overlooked event of Christ’s ascension. He laments, "How many churches, every church just about celebrates Easter. How many churches will celebrate ascension?" (06:18), highlighting the need for greater emphasis on this pivotal moment.

Key Points:

• Public and Visible Event: Unlike mythical accounts of ascension, DeYoung emphasizes that Jesus ascended visibly before His disciples, debunking notions of ethereal disappearances.

• Necessary Precursor: The ascension is portrayed as essential for subsequent blessings in the age of the Spirit, linking it to the giving of spiritual gifts and the intercession of Christ as our high priest.

• Authority and Dominion: DeYoung articulates that through the ascension, "human flesh in a mysterious way sits enthroned in heaven," granting Jesus authority and the ability to bestow the Holy Spirit upon believers (08:00).

Notable Quote:

"The Ascension is not simply how Jesus got to heaven. It matters how he ascended." – Speaker 2 (06:38)

Session: Christ’s Reign and Completion of His Work

Delving deeper into the state of exaltation, DeYoung explores the doctrine of Session – Christ being seated at the right hand of God. He explains, "To be seated is more than an act of rest... It represents completion. All that was needed has been accomplished" (11:59).

Key Points:

• Symbolism of Reign: The session symbolizes Christ’s ongoing reign and authority. DeYoung compares it to a coronation, where a seated king signifies established sovereignty and the commencement of reign.

• Completion of Atonement: Drawing from Hebrews 1, he notes, "After making purification for sins, Jesus sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high" (11:10), indicating that His sacrificial work is complete, allowing Him to intercede on behalf of believers.

• Figure of Speech: While acknowledging that "seated is a figure of speech" (10:22), DeYoung emphasizes its theological significance in affirming Christ’s accomplished work and continued authority.

Notable Quote:

"It's not an exact statement of personal geography, but it signifies something important about the completion of Christ's atoning work." – Speaker 3 (10:39)

Christ’s Return: The Final Judgment

Concluding the exploration of exaltation, DeYoung discusses Christ’s anticipated return. He stresses its paramount importance by stating, "Christ's exaltation is to be located not only in all that he has accomplished in the past, but also looking at the final act of Judgment that is still to come" (12:13).

Key Points:

• Visible and Bodily Return: DeYoung underscores that Christ’s return will be a visible, physical event, contrasting it with secretive or purely spiritual returns. "He will come visibly, bodily" (12:25).

• Judgment of the Living and the Dead: Highlighting the doctrinal significance, he references the Apostles' Creed stating Christ "is coming again to judge the living and the dead" (12:36), emphasizing personal accountability before Christ.

• Personal Accountability: By asserting that Christ will be the judge, DeYoung warns against modern portrayals of Jesus that omit this aspect, arguing that it leads to an incomplete understanding of His divine role and the gravity of faith decisions.

Notable Quote:

"The Ascension means we are in a manner of speaking, already in heaven. That's where Christ is and our lives are hidden with Christ." – Speaker 2 (08:03)

Conclusion

Kevin DeYoung wraps up the episode by reaffirming the integral components of Christ's exaltation: resurrection, ascension, session, and return. He cautions against neglecting any aspect, urging listeners to embrace a holistic and biblically grounded understanding of Christ's glorified state. By doing so, believers can fully appreciate the richness of Christian doctrine and its implications for faith and practice.

Final Thoughts: DeYoung encourages continual engagement with Scripture and theological study to grasp the "riches and the beauty of God's word" (00:18), ensuring that the doctrines discussed remain central to the Christian faith.

Time-Stamped Notable Quotes:

• Resurrection Importance: "The resurrection tells us that God's justice has been satisfied. All of those are reasons to see the uniqueness of Christ's resurrection." – Speaker 3 (05:24)

• Ascension Significance: "The Ascension is not simply how Jesus got to heaven. It matters how he ascended." – Speaker 2 (06:38)

• Session Symbolism: "It's not an exact statement of personal geography, but it signifies something important about the completion of Christ's atoning work." – Speaker 3 (10:39)

• Visible Return: "He will come visibly, bodily." – Speaker 3 (12:25)

Additional Resources: For listeners seeking to delve deeper into this week's doctrine, DeYoung recommends his year-long mini systematic theology book, Daily Doctrine, available in print or audio from Crossway.org. He also encourages reaching out to local pastors for further study materials.