Every day the church experiences the fruits and effects of Christ’s session, his heavenly rule. The Leiden professors close their treatment by turning from what the session is to what it does — and to the priestly work that makes all of it effective.

The four Leiden professors return once more, offering a summary of the Bible’s teaching on Christ’s heavenly session, an expansion of some points, and corrections to misunderstandings still with us today.

Our present historical moment — situated between Jesus’ ascension and return — falls within his current heavenly session. Jesus reigns in heaven right now, seated at the right hand of God. He has reigned thus since his ascension, and will continue to do so until he comes again in glory at the end of history.

Jesus’ work in his ascension can be understood according to the threefold office as prophet, king and priest.

There is no conflict between the different postures attributed to Christ.

The Christian good news is not that Jesus was Lord — in the past, some two thousand years ago, during his earthly life, or even through his death, resurrection and ascension into heaven; though all of that is claimed to be the case.