Bernard’s Oneness reading of God’s right hand as power, authority, favor, victory, and the exalted mediatorial office of the man Christ Jesus.
At the Right Hand of God
ConceptCartha Open Knowledge
Because God is invisible Spirit and omnipresent, Bernard does not picture Jesus sitting beside a second divine body on a spatial heavenly bench. Biblical “right hand” language commonly symbolizes strength, saving action, favor, and royal authority. The exalted Jesus is at God’s right hand because the man Christ has received and exercises all divine authority, intercedes, and reigns until every enemy is defeated. Visionary scenes can still distinguish God in transcendent sovereignty from the Lamb or Son in sacrificial and mediatorial role without multiplying divine persons.
Bernard’s Oneness reading of God’s right hand as power, authority, favor, victory, and the exalted mediatorial office of the man Christ Jesus.
Across the traditions
2
Cartha Open Knowledge writes one entry but reads it through every Christian tradition. We pick no denomination.
Nicene traditions share biblical monotheism and Christ’s full deity and humanity but confess eternal personal distinction among Father, Son, and Spirit.
Narrative arc
The right hand signifies divine action
Exodus 15:6 · Psalm 98:1 · Isaiah 41:10
Scripture speaks symbolically of God’s power, rescue, and favor.
The Messiah receives royal authority
God commissions the human Messiah to reign and conquer.
Resurrection becomes exaltation
The risen Jesus exercises saving authority and pours out the Spirit.
Session includes intercession and supremacy
Romans 8:34 · Ephesians 1:20–23 · Hebrews 7:25
The glorified Christ reigns and mediates for believers.
Shared throne language fulfills the symbol
Revelation 3:21 · Revelation 22:3–4
The final vision centers divine rule without requiring two physical divine seats.
Historical context
Reception history
Modern Oneness Pentecostal theology
- David K. Bernard, The Oneness of God — Provides the primary Oneness argument mapped here (chapter 9, especially pp. 200–206; see also pp. 106–108).
Nicene Christian comparison
- Nicene-Constantinopolitan tradition, Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed — Agrees on one God and the full deity and humanity of Christ while disagreeing over eternal divine personhood.
Common questions
Is Jesus literally seated beside God’s body?
Bernard says no: God is invisible, omnipresent Spirit, and the right hand is symbolic royal language.
Who is exalted?
The genuine man Christ Jesus is exalted into the full exercise of divine authority.
Why does Psalm 110 use two Lords?
Bernard reads Yahweh addressing David’s future human Lord, the Messiah, prophetically.
Pastoral reflection
Read the difficult texts in their full narrative and canonical setting. The aim is understanding rather than using a slogan to dismiss living Christian communities.
Misuse cautions
- Attribute this interpretation to Bernard or Oneness Pentecostal theology rather than presenting it as uncontested Christian consensus.
- Do not caricature Oneness theology as three temporary costumes or as a denial of Jesus’ authentic humanity.
- Do not caricature Nicene theology as belief in three gods; it confesses one divine being in three persons.
- Do not turn a single word, grammar point, or narrative silence into the whole argument without the surrounding canon.
Related concepts
Parents
oneness pentecostalismone god manifested in jesus
Dialectical pair
trinity
Thematic neighbors
ascension and sessionsonship onenessone throne lamb onenesswhy jesus prays onenesschrist s mediatorial authority
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Bibliography
Primary sources
- Canonical Scriptures, The Holy Bible — Primary biblical passages are listed in the anchors and article.
- David K. Bernard, The Oneness of God — Primary Oneness source; chapter 9, especially pp. 200–206; see also pp. 106–108.
- United Pentecostal Church International, Our Beliefs — Official concise statement of Oneness Pentecostal belief and new-birth teaching.
Modern scholarship
- David K. Bernard, The Oneness of God — Systematic Oneness Pentecostal exposition.
- David K. Bernard, The New Birth — Oneness Pentecostal exposition of conversion, baptism, and Spirit reception.
Public-domain commentary
- Ecumenical councils, Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed — Primary comparative statement of Nicene trinitarian confession.
Source trail
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- Status
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