_191. What is meant by the ascension of Christ?_ He left the earth, so that He is no longer visibly present, and He entered into His Father's glory to prepare a place for us in the heavenly mansions. =John 14:2. In my Father's house are many mansions; I go to prepare a place for you.= _192. What does the ascension of Christ teach us?_ It teaches us to be heavenly-minded, and to have a desire to depart and be with Christ. =Col. 3:1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.= _193. What does Christ's session on the right hand of the Father signify?_ It signifies that He shares also as true man in the power and glory of God, and rules over all things. =1 Pet. 3:22. [R. V.] He is on the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.= _194. What benefit do we have from Christ's session on the right hand of the Father?_ He protects His kingdom from its enemies, prays for us, and sends us His Holy Spirit. _195. Is Christ no longer present on earth?_ Yes; He is present in a real, though invisible, manner. =Matt. 28:20. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.= _196. When will He again come to earth in a visible manner?_ On the last day, when He comes to judge the quick and the dead. =Luke 21:27. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.= =2 Cor. 5:10. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in the body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.= _197. By what rule will Christ judge us?_ He will judge us by His Word. =John 12:48. The Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.= _198. Is it sufficient that you know all these things about Christ and hold them to be true?_ No; the Holy Spirit must teach me to know Christ in a true and living faith. THE THIRD ARTICLE. CONCERNING SANCTIFICATION. =I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and life everlasting. Amen.= _That is_, I believe that I cannot through my own strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him. This is the work of the Holy Spirit alone, who has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith; Even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and preserves it in fellowship with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily forgives me and all believers all our sins, and He will raise up me and all the dead on the last day, and will give me and all believers everlasting life. All this is certainly true.