How the Ascended Christ Shepherds His Church

In 4.3.2. of his Institutes, Calvin begins with Christ's ascension and argues that the pastoral ministry is the means by which the ascended Christ remains actively present, builds, and preserves His church by His Spirit.

When Christ ascended, He did not abandon His people. He now fills all things by giving ministers to His church and working through them by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Through faithful ministers, Christ distributes His gifts, renews His saints, builds up His body, makes His people grow up into Him as their Head, and joins believers together in unity.

That means the ministry of the Word is not a human invention or an optional church program. It is one of the main ways Christ preserves His church on earth.

As Calvin writes, "Through the ministers to whom he has entrusted this office... he dispenses and distributes his gifts to the church; and he shows himself as though present by manifesting the power of his Spirit in this his institution."

Calvin even says that the apostolic and pastoral office is more necessary for the church than sunlight, heat, food, and drink are for earthly life.

Why? Because without faithful preaching and teaching, the church is not strengthened, guarded, united, or built up.

To despise the pastoral ministry is not spiritual maturity. Calvin says it is to work toward the ruin and destruction of the church.

Christ loves His church by giving her pastors and teachers.

So receive the doctrine faithfully administered to you.

Do not refuse Christ’s gift.

Do not despise the means Christ uses.

The ascended Christ still shepherds His church through His Word, by His Spirit, through the ministers He has appointed.