1. Three things with respect unto himself made the exaltation of his human nature in heaven to be necessary; for, —
(1.) It was to be a pledge and token of God's acceptation of him, and approbation of what he had done in the world, John xvi. 7, 8 ; for what could more declare or evidence the consent and delight of God in what he had done and suffered, than, after he had been so ignominiously treated in the world, to receive him visibly, gloriously, and triumphantly into heaven ? " He was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels/' and, in the issue, " received up into glory/' 1 Tim. iii. 16. Herein God set the great seal of heaven unto his work of mediation, and the preaching of the gospel which ensued thereon ; and a testimony hereunto was that which filled his enemies with rage and madness, Acts vii. 55-58. His resurrection confirmed his doctrine with undeniable efficacy; but his assumption into heaven testified unto his person with an astonishing glory.
(2.) It was necessary with respect unto the human nature itself, that, after all its labours and sufferings, it might be "crowned with glory and honour." He was to "suffer" and " enter into his glory," Luke xxiv. 26. Some dispute whether Christ in his human nature merited any thing for himself or no ; but, not to immix ourselves in the nice- ties of that inquiry, it is unquestionable that the highest glory was due to him upon his accomplishment of the work committed unto him in this world, which he therefore lays claim to accordingly, John xvii. 4, 5. It was so, —
CHAP. I.] HIS OFFICE AS A COMFORTER. 357
(3.) With respect unto the glorious administration of his kingdom: for as his kingdom is not of this world, so it is not only over this world, or the whole creation below ; — the angels of glory, those prin- cipalities and powers above, are subject unto him, and belong unto his dominion, Eph. i. 21; Phil. ii. 9-11. Among them, attended with their ready service and obedience unto all his commands, doth he exercise the powers of his glorious kingdom. And they would but degrade him from his glory, without the least advantage unto themselves, who would have him forsake his high and glorious throne in heaven to come and reign among them on the earth, unless they suppose themselves more meet attendants on his regal dignity than the angels themselves, who are mighty in strength and glory.
2. The presence of the human nature of Christ in heaven was necessary with respect unto us. The remainder of his work with God on our behalf was to be carried on by intercession, Heb. vii. 25-27; and whereas this intercession consisteth in the virtual re- presentation of his oblation, or of himself as a lamb slain in sacrifice, it could not be done without his continual appearing in the presence of God, chap. ix. 24.
The other part of the work of Christ respects the church, or be- lievers, as its immediate object; so, in particular, doth his comfort- ing and supporting of them. This is that work which, in a peculiar manner, is committed and intrusted unto the Holy Spirit, after the departure of the human nature of Christ into heaven.
But two things are to be observed concerning it : — 1. That whereas this whole work consisteth in the communication of spiritual light, grace, and joy to the souls of believers, it was no less the im- mediate work of the Holy Ghost whilst the Lord Christ was upon the earth than it is now he is absent in heaven; only, during the time of his conversation here below, in the days of his flesh, his holy dis- ciples looked on him as the only spring and foundation of all their consolation, their only support, guide, and protector, as they had just cause to do. They had yet no insight into the mystery of the dispensation of the Spirit ; nor was he yet so given or poured out as to evidence himself and his operation unto their souls. Wherefore they looked on themselves as utterly undone when their Lord and Master began to acquaint them with his leaving of them. No sooner did he tell them of it but " sorrow filled their hearts," John xvi. 6. Wherefore he immediately lets them know that this great work of relieving them from all their sorrows and fears, of dispelling their disconsolations, and supporting them under their trouble, was com- mitted to the Holy Ghost, and would by him be performed in so eminent a manner as that his departure from them would be unto their advantage, verse 7. Wherefore the Holy Spirit did not then
358 THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A COMFORTER. [BOOK VIII.
first begin really and effectually to be the comforter of believers upon the departure of Christ from his disciples, but he is then first pro- mised so to be, u]3on a double account: — (1.) Of the full declaration and manifestation of it. So things are often said in the Scripture then to be, when they do appear and are made manifest. An emi- nent instance hereof we have in this case, John vii. 38, 39. The disciples had hitherto looked for all immediately from Christ in the flesh, the dispensation of the Spirit being hid from them. But now this also was to be manifested unto them. Hence the apostle affirms, that " though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet henceforth know we him no more," 2 Cor. v. 16; that is, so as to look for grace and consolation immediately from him in the flesh, as it is evident the apostles did before they were instructed in this unknown office of the Holy Ghost. (2.) Of the full exhibition and eminent com- munication of him unto this end. This in every kind was reserved for the exaltation of Christ, when he received the promise of the Spirit from the Father, and poured it out upon his disciples.