and the
Spiritual Kingdom. And as it has become evident that Christ came from the
spiritual heaven of the Divine Kingdom, therefore, His disappearance under
the earth for three days has an inner signification and is not an outward
fact. In the same way, His resurrection from the interior of the earth is
also symbolical; it is a spiritual and divine fact, and not material; and
likewise His ascension to heaven is a spiritual and not material
ascension.

Beside these explanations, it has been established and proved by science
that the visible heaven is a limitless area, void and empty, where
innumerable stars and planets revolve.

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.

Such is the meaning of the resurrection of Christ, and this was a true
resurrection. But as the clergy have neither understood the meaning of the
Gospels nor comprehended the symbols, therefore, it has been said that
religion is in contradiction to science, and science in opposition to
religion, as, for example, this subject of the ascension of Christ with an
elemental body to the visible heaven is contrary to the science of
mathematics. But when the truth of this subject becomes clear, and the
symbol is explained, science in no way contradicts it; but, on the
contrary, science and the intelligence affirm it.

24: THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON THE APOSTLES

Question.--What is the manner, and what is the meaning, of the descent of
the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, as described in the Gospel?

Answer