The Scottish Confession: 'Ascension'

on
Posted at Reformed Standards:

First published in 1560

11. Ascension

We nothing doubt but that the same self body which was born of the virgin, was crucified, and buried, and which did rise again, did ascend into the heavens a, for the accomplishment of all things where in our names and for our comfort, He has received all power in heaven and earth b, where He sits at the right hand of the Father c, inaugurating His kingdom, advocate and only mediator for us d. Which glory, honor, and prerogative, He alone amongst the brethren will possess till all His enemies are made His footstool, as that we undoubtedly believe they will be in the final judgment: to the execution whereof we certainly believe that the same Lord Jesus will visibly return as He was seen to ascend e. And then we firmly believe that the time of refreshing and restitution of all things will come f, in so much that those who from the beginning have suffered violence, injury, and wrong for righteousness sake will inherit that blessed immortality promised from the beginning. But contrariwise the stubborn, disobedient, cruel oppressors, filthy persons, idolaters, and all sorts of unfaithful g will be cast in the dungeon of utter darkness, where their worm will not die, neither yet their fire be extinguished. The remembrance of which day and of the judgment to be executed in the same is not only to us a bridle whereby our carnal lusts are restrained, but also such inestimable comfort that neither may the threatening of worldly princes, neither yet the fear of temporal death and present danger move us to renounce and forsake that blessed society which we the members have with our Head and only Mediator, Christ Jesus. Whom we confess and avow to be the Messiah promised, the only Head of His kirk, our just Lawgiver, our only High Priest, Advocate and Mediator h. In which honors and offices, if man or angel presumes to intrude themselves, we utterly detest and abhor them as blasphemous to our sovereign and supreme governor Christ Jesus. 




Image by Ken Scott, American Frontier Artist