This paper investigates the theological and redemptive-historical relationship between the passion and ascension of Christ by focusing on the use of Psalms 2 and 24 in the Matthean account. Recent research by Brian Carrier and Tucker Ferda has argued that Matthew’s passion narrative alludes to Psalm 2 at the crucifixion and to Psalm 24 at the triumphal entry. At the same time, recent work by Matthew Bates has also argued that Psalm 2 is best linked with Christ’s enthronement. My own recent work has concluded that Psalm 24 is best linked with Christ’s ascension. The question therefore remains, how? Can Psalms 2 and 24 simultaneously be fulfilled in both the passion and ascension/session?
I argue that Adam typology and a covenantal account of redemptive history provide the answer. In his passion, Jesus receives the “coronation” due to the cursed, original Adam for his failure in the Creation Covenant. In his ascension and session, Jesus receives the coronation due to him for his success in the New Covenant. Through Adam typology, the passion and enthronement of Christ are inversely related to each other; thus, it is appropriate to apply Psalms 2 and 24 to both events.