We come now to the historical institution of the church of God. For this four things were necessary: -
(1) The coming of our Lord into this world, and His atoning death on the cross; the great work of redemption done to God's satisfaction, without which no blessing could flow to sinful men.
(2)The resurrection of our Lord, the historical proof of God's full satisfaction in the work of redemption.
(3)The ascension of our Lord to God's right hand in heaven, taking His place on high in relation to His people.
(4)The bestowal of the Holy Spirit, indwelling each believer, forming them into the one body of Christ on this earth, Christ the glorious Head in heaven linked up thus with each member of His body on earth.
We read: " For as the body is one; and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (2 Cor.: 12, 23.)