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And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. (luk 23:46) (12:29) see Christ commended His spirit into His Father's hands. His spirit left His body and went to the Father. He was with the man who was crucified with Him on that same day. The Baha'i Writings explain: (12:30) 76 Therefore, we say that the meaning of Christ's resurrection is as follows: the disciples were troubled and agitated after the martyrdom of Christ. The Reality of Christ, which signifies His teachings, His bounties, His perfections and His spiritual power, was hidden and concealed for two or three days after His martyrdom, and was not resplendent and manifest. No, rather it was lost, for the believers were few in number and were troubled and agitated. The Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body; and when after three days the disciples became assured and steadfast, and began to serve the Cause of Christ, and resolved to spread the divine teachings, putting His counsels into practice, and arising to serve Him, the Reality of Christ became resplendent and His bounty appeared; His religion found life; His teachings and His admonitions became evident and visible. In other words, the Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body until the life and the bounty of the Holy Spirit surrounded it. (saq 104) (12:31) Paul confirms that the "body" of Christ refers to the Church: (12:32) For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (eph 5:30) (12:33) see Baha'is believe that this is the body-the Church-that was resurrected after the crucifixion. The eternal Spirit of Christ, which has existed for all time did not die, nor does Christ need a physical body now that He has left the earth. (12:34) After the martyrdom of Christ, to Whom be glory, the disciples were greatly disturbed and disheartened. Even Peter had denied Christ and tried to shun Him. It was a woman, Mary Magdalene, who confirmed the wavering disciples in their faith, saying, 'Was it the body of Christ or the reality of Christ that ye have seen crucified? Surely it was His body. His reality is everlasting and eternal; it hath neither beginning nor ending.' (pup 282) (12:35) The spiritual nature of Christ's reality is demonstrated in the daily lives of His followers: (12:36) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (mat 18:20) (12:37) see If we truly believe this, then we are testifying that His spirit, not His physical body, is His true reality.
(12:38)
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