Chapter VII — On the sixth article

1. What does the sixth article — "He ascended into heaven; and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty" — teach us?

The sixth article of the Creed teaches us that Jesus Christ, forty days after His resurrection, in the presence of His disciples, ascended of His own power into heaven, and that, being as God equal to the Father in glory, as man He has been exalted above all the Angels and all the Saints, and constituted Lord of all things.

2. Why did Jesus Christ remain forty days on earth after His resurrection, before ascending into heaven?

Jesus Christ remained forty days on earth after His resurrection, before ascending into heaven, in order to prove by various appearances that He had truly risen, and to instruct ever more and to confirm the Apostles in the truths of the faith.

3. Why did Jesus Christ ascend into heaven?

Jesus Christ ascended into heaven: 1. to take possession of His kingdom merited by His death; 2. to prepare our place of glory and to be our Mediator and Advocate with the Father; 3. to send the Holy Spirit to His Apostles.

4. Why is it said of Jesus Christ that He ascended into heaven, and of His most holy Mother that she was assumed?

It is said of Jesus Christ that He ascended into heaven, and of His most holy Mother that she was assumed, because Jesus Christ, being God-Man, ascended into heaven by His own power, but the Mother, who was a creature, although the most worthy of all, ascended into heaven by the power of God.

5. Explain to me the words: sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

The word "sits" signifies the peaceful possession which Jesus Christ has of His glory, and the words "at the right hand of God the Father Almighty" express that He has the place of honor above all creatures.