Jesus disappears from human view, especially after Pentecost. After that, he is no longer physically present in the world. Only upon his return from heaven will he be visible again to everyone. Then the words that the evangelist John, exiled on the island of Patmos, once heard about Jesus' coming will become a reality: He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him
(Revelation 1:7a).
Yet, it can be said that Jesus is near to those who love him now. That is exactly what the Holy Spirit will ensure in the time between Pentecost and the second coming. This Spirit of truth
(John 14:17) will bring the living Jesus close to each true disciple. He will help the believer experience what Jesus himself once said, I am the vine, and you are the branches. If anyone remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit
(John 15:5). Jesus' life flows through the life of his disciple—already in principle now, and one day in complete perfection in eternal life. This beautiful message resonates in a confession of faith, the Heidelberg Catechism, where the first question is: What is your only comfort in life and death?
The answer immediately states that the Christian belongs to his faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ. And this owner us continues to work. Hence the conclusion: Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.
Words that fit seamlessly with John 14:1–31.
19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.