Peter with great joy and intense feeling declares the exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ in
Acts 5-31, 'Him hath God exalted…'
Paul with passion takes up the same glorious theme in Philippians 2-9, 'Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him.'
(1) The Places where God has exalted His dear Son:
(a) In the Covenant of Grace the father has set Him on high as His elect, Chosen to save the Church from sin and the consequences of sin and ruin.
(b) Jesus Christ is exalted in the Hearts and lives of His believing trusting people as the altogether lovely, 'the chiefest among ten thousand.'
(c) Jesus Christ is exalted in the living Word of God as 'the first and the last.' From Genesis to Revelation. He is the Alpha and Omega the beginning and end.
(d) Jesus Christ is exalted in Providence, because all is 'for the lifting of Jesus on high.'
(e) He is exalted in the Church of the Redeemed as her Living Head and King.
(2) The Object the Father had in view in His exaltation is seen in the sparkling colours of
Acts 5-31, 'Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and for the forgiveness of sins.' In this beautiful portrait of the our Lord Jesus Christ we see One exalted to be a Prince to rule, a Saviour to save, and a God to give repentance and forgiveness.
(3) The Times when God exalted Him.
(a) Jesus was exalted in His eternal glory before the foundation of the world.
(b) In Creation 'without Him was not anything made that was made.'
(c) In the first promise He was exalted as the seed of the woman who should bruise the serpent's head.
(d) In the Patriarchal age He was exalted highly in the various manifestations of Himself.
(e) Also in the Levitical age Jesus was exalted in the sum and substance of all types and figures.
(f) When on earth and living among men Jesus was exalted and lifted up on the
Cross - at Calvary outside the walls of Jerusalem.
(g) At this present time Jesus is Personally exalted at the Father's right Hand in the Heavenlies
(Ephesians 1:20-21).
(h) Jesus is also exalted and glorified by the Holy Spirit in the lives of all people who believe through faith.
(4) The Manner of His exaltation is by the Father's right Hand of Purpose, Power, Providence and Performance.