The Risen Lord and the Gift of Faith
Christian faith is a not self-generated psychological exercise. It is part of the new creation, the new humanity which the Risen Lord has established by his victory. His Gift of the Holy Spirit produces the faith. This is why He ascended into Heaven. The Giver of Life could only descend on us if Christ ascended to his Father.
What a gift faith is! Doubts and difficulties of all kinds might afflict the soul — but the gift of faith is invincible. This loving assent of the will is given if we ask for it in even in trying circumstances. The darkest trials cannot defeat it because it communicates something to the mind which no affliction in this world – no height, nor depth – can shake. In fact, such trials when endured with love and by love make faith stronger.
Though He has conquered death, He must leave this world because his Kingdom is not of this world. He must ascend above this life so that the faith of the apostles in Him will raise them up above this life too. The resurrection was not about any mere restoration of an earthly paradise — it is about access to heaven. This is a new humanity – a humanity with power that exceeds what this world can contain, a humanity which is filled with what is eternal.
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