When Jesus Christ ministered in his earthly ministry he gave his disciples authority in order to deliver those in need. Their work caused a spiritual impact that was very notable. However, Jesus taught them that something even greater than that was going to be available after he had ascended to the Father. He gave some indication of what was coming during the times that he spoke to his disciples. He taught them that this coming spirit would be in them, it would tell them of things to come, it would receive of him and make known information to them, etc. He was clearly speaking of the new birth spirit that would be available after he completed his work. Though he was speaking to them as a man at that time, it was quite evident that in order for him to do what his new responsibilities would require, he would have authority in a very different capacity. The new birth spirit is referred to in various ways in the Scriptures: the comforter, the spirit, Christ in you, the spirit of God, the spirit of Christ. All these refer to the same reality that was first made available on Pentecost. With this on the inside of every believer came the possibility to imitate the lord, to walk like he walked, to have access to the mind of Christ, the compassion of Christ, etc. It was a change from the inside, an enabler that would allow all believers to grow in spiritual maturity as they understood more and more the potential of this new life in Christ.