Jack K
Puritan Board Doctor
I need help making sure my understanding and language is correct. I need to teach on the presence of Christ with believers today. Now, I understand that the two natures mean there is a sense in which Christ is present and a sense in which he is not. According to his human nature, which can only be in one place at one time, Christ is away from us in heaven. But according to his divine nature, his spirit is everywhere including with us. Indeed he said, "I am with you always" even as he was leaving.
But here's where it gets tricky. Christ (the second Person) is with us by his spirit. How does that differ from the Holy Spirit (the third Person) being with us? Are these the same thing? Or are they completely separate realities? How do they connect?
So, how do Reformed theologians explain the difference/sameness of Christ's presence by his spirit and the Holy Spirit's presence?
But here's where it gets tricky. Christ (the second Person) is with us by his spirit. How does that differ from the Holy Spirit (the third Person) being with us? Are these the same thing? Or are they completely separate realities? How do they connect?
So, how do Reformed theologians explain the difference/sameness of Christ's presence by his spirit and the Holy Spirit's presence?