What was the estate of Christ's exaltation?
The estate of Christ's exaltation comprehendeth his resurrection,1 ascension,2 sitting at the right hand of the Father,3 and his coming again to judge the world.4
Scripture proofs
The Westminster Assembly's proof texts (KJV). The bracketed numbers in the answer above mark the clause each set of references supports; expand a row to read the verses.
1 1 Cor. 15:4
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
2 Mark 16:19
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
3 Eph. 1:20
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
4 Acts 1:11; Acts 17:31
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
This doctrine across the Standards
Where the Confession and the Westminster Shorter Catechism treat the same matter, so the question can be studied alongside its parallel statements.
In the Westminster Confession
VIII.4 This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake, which, that he might discharge, he was made under …
This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake, which, that he might discharge, he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it; endured most grievous torments immediately in his soul, and most painful sufferings in his body; was crucified, and died; was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. On the third day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered; with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father, making intercession; and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the world.
→ VIII.4 · Of Christ the MediatorIn the Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q.27 Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?
Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
→ Open Q.27Q.28 Wherein consisteth Christ's exaltation?
Christ's exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.
→ Open Q.28