Why Did Jesus Need to Leave to Send the Holy Spirit?

Even though John Calvin has been dubbed the “theologian of the Holy Spirit,” his theological heirs, Reformed Presbyterians, are sometimes maligned as giving the Holy Spirit the short shrift. I remember visiting a friend’s charismatic church during college and being told that I “didn’t have much of the Spirit” because I did not speak in tongues …

What do you say to the Maker of the Universe when you’re exhausted beyond words, burdened to your bones by your own sins, heavy-laden with sickness or sorrow, or simply feeling far away? How do you draw near to God in prayer when praying is hard?

Jesus prepared his disciples for his departure by telling them about the Holy Spirit, who would take up residence in each one of his people. By his Spirit, he would stay near to his people. And by his Spirit, he would bless his church throughout the world in all generations.

The Holy Spirit is active. God still works powerfully. But Scripture also helps us see how, when, and why he chooses to act—so that our confidence rests where it belongs: on Christ, on his Word, and on the Spirit who applies that Word to our lives.