Course 2, Chapter 21: Of union with our Lord, the new Adam, by faith. Sixth and seventh articles of the Creed

1. Which is the sixth article of the creed?

He ascended into heaven; sitfeth al the right hand of God, the Father A Imighty. This article teaches us that our Lord, as man, ascended, body and soul, into heaven; as God, he has never ceased to be there, since his divinity is every where and fills all places.

2. What do the words sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, mean?

They mean that our Lord is in heaven, as in the place of his rest, and that he enjoys the same glory as the Father and the Holy Ghost.

3. Why do you use the words at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty?

As it is the custom among men to place at the right those whom they wish to honor, we say that Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, in order to show the infinite glory he has acquired for himself, and which has elevated him, as man, above all creatures.

4. Why did our Lord ascend into heaven?

Our Lord ascended into heaven to open it for as, and to take possession of it for himself and for us.

5. What follows from this?

It follows that our nature is re-established in its rights; since, in the person of the Saviour, it is in possession of heaven.

6. For what other reason did our Lord ascend into heaven?

Our Lord ascended into heaven also to secure

a place for us, by pleading our cause; to excite in us a desire to follow him thither; for it is natural that dutiful children should desire to be united to their father: finally, our Lord ascended into heaven, because his body, rendered immortal and glorious by his resurrection, demands a more fitting place for its dwell ing than this earth of misery and exile.

7. Which is the seventh article of the creed?

Thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. All men must be judged; that is, must render to God an account of the life and graces he has given them. If it were otherwise, God would not be just, since in that case he would treat the good and the bad alike.

8. How many judgments are there?

There are two. The first which takes place at the moment of death, called the particular judgment. The second, which will take place at the end of the world; this is called the last or general judgment, because it will confirm the first and take place in the presence of the assembled nations of the earth.

9. Why should there be a general judgment?

A general judgment is necessary to repair the injury done to the glory of God; to vindicate the just, to cover with public confusion the wicked, ard to avenge the providence of God.

10. What do the words the living and the dead, signify? .

By the words the living and the dead, is under stood: first, all men; secondly, the living signifies those who have departed this life in the grace of God; whilst the dead signifies those who have died in mortal sin.

CATECU1SM OF PERSEVERANCE.