THE GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST" MATTHEW 28:1-7; ACTS 2:22-24; I CORINTHIANS 15:1-23

Noel Merrick

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"THE GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST" MATTHEW 28:1-7; ACTS 2:22-24; I CORINTHIANS 15:1-23

Matthew 28:1–7 KJV 1900

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Acts 2:22–24 KJV 1900

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

1 Corinthians 15:1–23 KJV 1900

INTRO: Today we are gathered together to celebrate THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

But DOES IT REALLY MATTER VERY MUCH WHETHER OR NOT CHRIST ROSE FROM THE DEAD?

The words of the APOSTLE PAUL in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 leave us in no doubt as to the IMPORTANCE OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST!

1 Corinthians 15:12–19 KJV 1900

12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

J. Oswald Sanders said: "THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION IS CENTRAL IN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, NOT PERIPHERAL.

TO DENY IT IS TO REMOVE THE KEYSTONE OF THE ARCH OF CHRISTIANITY.

WITHOUT IT, THE CRUCIFIXION OF OUR LORD WOULD HAVE BEEN IN VAIN, FOR IT WAS THE RESURRECTION WHICH VALIDATED AND GAVE SAVING VALUE TO HIS ATONING DEATH.

OF ALL THE GREAT RELIGIONS, CHRISTIANITY ALONE BASES ITS CLAIM TO ACCEPTANCE ON THE RESURRECTION OF ITS FOUNDER.

IF IT IS NOT A FACT, OUR PREACHING IS EMPTIED OF CONTENT.

INSTEAD OF BEING A DYNAMIC MESSAGE, IT MERELY ENSHRINES A FRAGRANT MEMORY AND OUR FAITH IS WITHOUT FACTUAL BASIS AND IS THEREFORE EMPTY.

THE SCRIPTURE WRITERS BECOME PURVEYORS OF INTENTIONAL LIES, AND THE SCRIPTURES THEMSELVES UNRELIABLE. WITHOUT THE RESURRECTION, DELIVERANCE FROM THE PENALTY, POWER AND PRESENCE OF SIN IS NO MORE THAN A MIRAGE, AND THE FUTURE LIFE IS STILL SHROUDED IN MIDNIGHT DARKINESS."

SOMEONE WROTE:

"IF EASTER BE NOT TRUE, THEN OUR FAITH MUST MOUNT ON A BROKEN WING;

THEN OUR HOPE NO MORE IMMORTAL SPRING;

THEN LOVE MUST LOSE HER MIGHTY URGE;

LIFE PROVE A PHANTOM AND A DIRGE, IF EASTER BE NOT TRUE."

THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS REAL AND PRESENTS A GLORY BEYOND OUR HUMAN IMAGINATION TO COMPREHEND.

NOTE: "GLORY" means "To Exalt, To Joy, To Vaunt, To REJOICE

I. GLORY OF THE EMPTY TOMB - MATTHEW 28:6,7

Matthew 28:6 KJV 1900

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 28:7 KJV 1900

7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

A. Imagine the Sorrow

B. Imagine the Anxiety

C. Imagine the Confusion

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

II. GLORY OF THE APPEARANCES OF CHRIST - 1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-8 (6 OF THE 13 APPEARANCES SPOKEN OF HERE)

1 Corinthians 15:1–8 KJV 1900

A. Imagine the Grief

B. Imagine the Surprise

C. Imagine the Excitement

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

III. GLORY OF THE PLAN OF GOD - ACTS 2:22-24

Acts 2:22–24 KJV 1900

A. Imagine the Strategy of God- Vs. 23

B. Imagine the Power of God - Vs. 24a

C. Imagine the Possibility of God - Vs. 24b

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

IV. GLORY OF THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH - ACTS 2:37-41

Acts 2:37–41 KJV 1900

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

A. Imagine the Response - Vs. 37

B. Imagine the Invitation - Vs. 38-40

C. Imagine the Response - Vs. 41

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

V. GLORY OF THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH - ACTS 2:42-47

Acts 2:42–47 KJV 1900

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

A. Imagine the Excitement

B. Imagine the Praise

C. Imagine the Expectation

D. IMGAINE THE GLORY!

VI. GLORY OF THE CHANGED LIVES - ACTS 4:16-20

Acts 4:16–20 KJV 1900

16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

A. Imagine the Contrast

B. Imagine the Commitment

C. Imagine the Boldness

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

VII. GLORY OF THE EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION

A. The Words of a Lost Lawyer - Dr. Frank Morison

B. The Words of a Professor of Ancient History - Dr. Paul L. Maier

C. The Words of a Jewish Historian - Flavius Josephus

D. THE WORDS OF THE ANGEL OF THE LORD! "HE IS NOT HERE - HE IS RISEN"

VIII. GLORY OF CHANGED LIVES TODAY

A. From Hopelessness to Happiness

B. From Gloom to Glory

C. From Hell to Heaven

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

IX. GLORY OF OUR RESURRECTION - 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-23

1 Corinthians 15:20–23 KJV 1900

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

A. Guarantees Victory over Death

B. Guarantees Life with Christ after Death

C. Guarantees Hope for the Future

D.IMAGINE THE GLORY!

THE APPLICATION 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 SECULAR EVIDENCES OF THE RESURRECTION

1 Corinthians 15:51–58 KJV 1900

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

A. The Words of a Secular Lawyer - Dr. Frank Morison Dr. Morison was brought up in a rationalistic environment and came to the conclusion that the resurrection of Christ was nothing but a fairy tale. He felt that he owed it to himself and to others to write a book that would present the truth about Jesus and dispel the mythical story of the resurrection. UPON STUDYING THE FACTS, HE CAME TO A DIFFERENT CONCLUSION. HE CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT JESUS ACTUALLY DID RISE FROM THE DEAD, and wrote another book besides the one he intended on writing entitled: "WHO MOVED THE STONE?"

B. The Words of a Professor of Ancient History - Dr. Paul L. Maier Dr. Maier of Western Michigan University concluded: "THAT IF ALL EVIDENCE IS WEIGHED CAREFULLY AND FAIRLY, IT IS INDEED JUSTIFIABLE, ACCORDING TO THE CANONS OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH, TO CONCLUDE THAT THE TOMB IN WHICH JESUS WAS BURIED WAS ACTUALLY EMPTY ON THE MORNING OF THE FIRST EASTER. AND NO SHRED OF EVIDENCE HAS YET BEEN DISCOVERED IN LITERARY SOURCES, EPIGRAPHY OR ARCHAEOLOGY THAT WOULD DISPROVE THIS STATEMENT."

C. The Words of a Jewish Historian - Flavius Josephus Flavius Josephus (First Century Jewish Historian) wrote: "NOW THERE WAS ABOUT THIS TIME JESUS, A WISE MAN, IF IT BE LAWFUL TO CALL HIM A MAN, FOR HE WAS A DOER OF WONDERFUJL WORKS - A TEACHER OF SUCH MEN AS RECEIVED THE TRUTH WITH PLEASURE. HE WAS THE CHRIST; AND WHEN PILATE AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE PRINCIPAL MEN AMONGST US, HAD CONDEMNED HIM TO THE CROSS ON APRIL 3, AD 33, APPEARED ALIVE AGAIN THE THIRD DAY, APRIL 5, AD 33, AS THE DIVINE PROPHETS HAD FORETOLD THESE AND THEN THOUSAND OTHER WONDERFUL THINGS CONCERNING HIM..."

Resurrection of Jesus Why the Resurrection Matters to You Explaining the evidence for and meaning of the resurrection. Every day, more and more people are taking a look — for some, a second glance — at the historical person of Jesus of Nazareth.

So why do His life and teachings still generate such interest today?

What I Found in My Search

To begin with, everything about Him was unique: The predictions of His coming. His birth. His life. His teachings. His miracles. His death. And especially His resurrection.

It is history’s most significant event.

The validity of Jesus’ claims about Himself rests on the Resurrection — whether He rose from the dead or stayed in the grave.

Many skeptics say that to believe that Jesus rose from the dead is nothing more than a blind leap of faith with little or no basis in truth.

When confronted with the facts, however, those who are intellectually honest have been forced to admit that the Resurrection is a historical event based on undeniable evidence. On my spiritual journey from agnosticism to faith in Christ, I, like many people, had a problem with the Resurrection.

But my personal study brought me to a firm belief that a bodily resurrection is the only valid explanation for Christ’s empty tomb.

Several pieces of evidence helped me reach this conclusion.

Evidence for the Resurrection

Christ predicted His resurrection.

The Bible records, (Matthew 16:21, ).

Matthew 16:21 KJV 1900

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Even though His followers did not understand what He was telling them at the time, they remembered His words and recorded them.

Jesus made numerous appearances to His followers.

He comforted the mourners outside His tomb on Sunday morning. On the road to Emmaus, He explained things about Himself from the Old Testament. Later, He ate in their presence and invited them to touch Him.

The Bible records that Jesus was seen by more than 500 at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6).

1 Corinthians 15:6 KJV 1900

6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

Some may argue that a few people could have agreed to a deception, but how can one explain the collaboration of 500 people?

Jesus’ followers had unrelenting faith in the Resurrection.

Those disciples who were once so afraid that they deserted their Lord now courageously proclaimed this news, risking their lives to preach.

Their bold and courageous behavior does not make sense unless they knew with absolute certainty that Jesus had been raised from the dead.

The growth of the Christian church confirms the Resurrection.

Peter’s first sermon, which dealt with Christ’s resurrection, stirred people to receive Him as their living Savior.

Luke records the thrilling results: “That day there were added about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).

Acts 2:41 KJV 1900

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

And that group of believers has multiplied across the globe.

Today, there are over two billion people who follow Jesus across the nations.

The testimony of billions of transformed lives through the centuries shows the power of the Resurrection.

Many have recovered from addictions.

The destitute and despairing have found hope.

Broken marriages have been restored. The most conclusive proof for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is that He is living within believers today transforming lives.The Resurrection sets Christianity apart.

No other religious leader has risen from the dead and conquered sin.

The Significance of the Resurrection

The Resurrection confirms that Jesus is who He claimed to be.

Let us consider the magnitude of this event.

The Resurrection proved that Christ was divine.

The fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross does not prove in itself that He is God.

Jesus proved His divine nature by fulfilling the predictions of His death and by His return from the grave.

The Bible declares that (Romans 1:4, ).

Romans 1:4 KJV 1900

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

The Resurrection proved Christ’s power to forgive sin.

The Bible claims, (1 Corinthians 15:17, ).

1 Corinthians 15:17 KJV 1900

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

By rising from the dead, Jesus proved His authority and power to break the bonds of sin and to assure forgiveness and eternal life to all who accept His gift of salvation.

The Resurrection revealed Christ’s power over death.

The Bible records, (Romans 6:9, ).

Romans 6:9 KJV 1900

9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

The Resurrection secured our victory over death as well and “ (Ephesians 2:6, ).

Ephesians 2:6 KJV 1900

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

The Resurrection defeated God’s enemy.

From the moment of Satan’s original rebellion until the day of the cross, the devil fought viciously and cunningly to overthrow the kingdom of God.

At the crucifixion, Satan must have thought he dealt the final and decisive blow in this age-old war.

But this was the devil’s most serious miscalculation.

The cross was not a sign of defeat.

The cross was heaven’s triumph! When Jesus Christ rose, the power of sin and death was forever shattered.

Because of the Resurrection, Christians don’t have to fear Satan or death again.

Completion of Redemption

For 40 days after His death and resurrection, Christ appeared many times to His followers.

On one occasion, He gathered His remaining 11 disciples on a mountain in Galilee and gave them His Great Commission.

He said, (Matthew 28:19-20, ).

Matthew 28:19–20 KJV 1900

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Later, the Book of Acts records that, on the Mount of Olives, He admonished His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were filled with the Holy Spirit and then to take His message to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the world (Acts 1:4-5, 8).

Acts 1:4–5 KJV 1900

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Immediately after, He ascended and disappeared into the clouds, leaving the disciples staring after Him in amazed wonder.

The ascension of Christ was the final act in our redemption. His mission completed, Jesus Christ was exalted to His former glory.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ ranks as history’s most revolutionary event. One cannot deny that He shook the world in His day.

But His life just as dramatically has shaped the course of history in our time.

The Resurrection is the final proof that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be.

The Explosive Power of the Resurrection — Now

Scripture: John 15:11 and Heb 12:12

The Resurrection of Christ

If you had been at the cross, you probably would have vomited, or screamed, or pulled your hair, or thrown yourself on the ground and pounded the dirt and ground your teeth and sobbed yourself into exhaustion.

Putting spikes through people’s arms and legs, and hanging them on a cross with their full body weight tearing their flesh, and smashing their legs, or driving a spear into their side are all unbearable to watch — let alone endure.

Condemned He Stood

Jesus volunteered for this. He chose it.

It was not forced on him by any man.

He said in John 10:18 , “No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt 26:53 ).

John 10:18 KJV 1900

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Matthew 26:53 KJV 1900

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

“Jesus volunteered for the cross. He chose it. It was not forced on him by any man.”

I’m not trapped, he would say. Do you think Herod and Pilate and the mobs and the soldiers are in charge here?

They are but players in this drama. My Father wrote it.

And he and I agreed: This is my role.

I will be crucified.

It’s my choice, not Pilate’s.

There’s a name for this.

It’s called love. Rom 5:8 : “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

So here’s my question:

The greatest suffering, in the service of the greatest love, for the least deserving

— how do you do that? How did Jesus endure that? All for Joy

Here is the answer of Heb 12:2: “For the joy that was set before him [Jesus] endured the cross.”

Hebrews 12:2 KJV 1900

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The humiliation of being stripped and ridiculed.

The lacerations of the scourging.

The unbearable lightning bolts of pain from the spikes.

Hour after hour, while at any moment he could have called on his Father for rescue, but instead chose the pain.

All of it “for the joy that was set before him.”

And what was that?

What was the joy beyond the horrors of crucifixion that made this endurance possible?

What was the joy beyond this greatest act of love that made this love possible? Here’s Jesus’s answer:

No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own accord.

I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again (John 10:18).

John 10:18 KJV 1900

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up (John 2:19).

John 2:19 KJV 1900

19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

The Son of Man must suffer many things . . . and be killed, and after three days rise again (Mark 8:31).

He must, and he will.

I will never die again (Acts 13:34 ).

Acts 13:34 KJV 1900

34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

I will be an eternal high priest by the power of an indestructible life (Heb 7:16).

Hebrews 7:16 KJV 1900

16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

All authority in heaven and earth will be mine (Matt 28:18.

Matthew 28:18 KJV 1900

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

I will be the King over all kings and the Lord over all lords (Rev 17:14).

Revelation 17:14 KJV 1900

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

I will be alive forevermore, and have the keys of Death and Hades (Rev 1:18).

Revelation 1:18 KJV 1900

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

I will sit with my Father on his throne (Rev 3:21).

Revelation 3:21 KJV 1900

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

I will have in my hand the check signed in my blood for the perfect, completed, irreversible purchase of my Bride (1 Cor 6:20).

1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV 1900

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

I will be surrounded by angels and saints crying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev 5:12).

Revelation 5:12 KJV 1900

12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

And from my throne I will build my church on earth, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).

Matthew 16:18 KJV 1900

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And when the time is full, I will come again in power and great glory, and I will gather my elect from one end of heaven to the other (Matt 24:30).

Matthew 24:30 KJV 1900

30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

And I will fill the new heavens and the new earth with my glory (Ps 72:19).

Psalm 72:19 KJV 1900

19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: And let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

And I will say to my bride, “Enter into the joy of your Master” (Matt 25:23).

Matthew 25:23 KJV 1900

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

When Heb 12:2 says that Jesus “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,” this was that joy.

Hebrews 12:2 KJV 1900

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

This resurrection, this future, this hope, this joy streaming from the future into the horrible present was the power to suffer and love like this.

You Can Have Jesus’s Joy

If he were here — and he is here — this is what he would say to you. I want you to receive this personally from Jesus himself: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

John 15:11 KJV 1900

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

“This is what it means to be a Christian — to embrace the whole Christ.”

God intends that the joy that was set before Jesus and that gave him the power to endure the greatest suffering in the greatest act of love for the least deserving — God intends that joy to be your joy.

This is what it means to be a Christian — to embrace the whole Christ: the suffering Christ, the risen Christ, the reigning Christ, the coming Christ, who says at every point, “I have come, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

The reason the resurrection has explosive power in our lives now is the same reason it had explosive power in the life of Jesus on Good Friday.

In his case, the hope of resurrection was the joy that held him to the cross.

And so it is with us: for the joy that is set before us in the resurrection, we endure the cost of love, no matter how high, for the least deserving.

Prison Hymn Sing

Let’s take one crazy-glorious example of what this looks like in the life of a Christian who lives by the power of hope of the resurrection.

The apostle Paul was preaching in Philippi (Acts 16:16-40).

Acts 16:16–40 KJV 1900

16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. 35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. 36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. 38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. 39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. 40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

A demonized girl — a slave who made money for her masters by fortune-telling (Acts 16:16) — was constantly crying out and interrupting Paul in his preaching. When he had enough of this, Paul turned and said to the demon, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.”

Acts 16:16 KJV 1900

16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

And it came out that very hour (Acts 16:18).

Acts 16:18 KJV 1900

18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Now their money-making slave girl was free, and they were angry. Preach all you want, pastors, just don’t mess with people’s money (unless you want to be faithful like Paul).

They seized Paul and Silas, dragged them into the marketplace, and accused them to the magistrates, who tore off their clothes and beat them with rods.

They threw them in the deepest part of the prison, without a trial, and put their feet in stocks.

So here’s the picture: Paul and Silas have been shamed by being stripped, beaten with rods, and they are sitting in the deepest part of the prison, feet in stocks, sleepless at midnight.

What are they doing? They’re singing.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25).

Acts 16:25 KJV 1900

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

The word is not psalms.

The word is singing hymns.

These are songs probably written by believers.

And Paul and Silas knew them by heart.

Which meant they sang them a lot.

These greatest of all men were singing men.

And then an earthquake struck!

Watch out for what might happen when you sing at midnight with a friend in misery.

The gates were thrown open.

Paul and Silas could have vengefully watched the jailer commit suicide, which he was about to do (Acts 16:27), and walked away to Thessalonica triumphant.

Acts 16:27 KJV 1900

27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

“For the joy that is set before us in the resurrection, we endure the cost of love.”

Instead, they rescued him and offered him Jesus and baptized him and welcomed him — maybe the least deserving man in Philippi — into their eternal family.

Now, here’s my question: How did Paul and Silas sing to the Lord and love the jailer, after humiliation, beating, dungeon, stocks, and sleeplessness — when what you and I usually do is grumble and plan to sue somebody. Hope Resurrected

Four times in the book of Acts, Paul puts in one sentence why he endures persecution again and again in his ministry.

Before the Jews in Jerusalem: “It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial” (Acts 23:6).

Acts 23:6 KJV 1900

6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Before Felix in Caesarea: “It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day” (Acts 24:21).

Acts 24:21 KJV 1900

21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Before King Agrippa: “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8).

Acts 26:8 KJV 1900

8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

And to the Jews in Rome: “It is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain” (Acts 28:20).

Acts 28:20 KJV 1900

20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

The resurrection of Christ, and the resurrection of all Christians at his coming, was the sustaining power of Paul’s song in suffering and his love for jailers.

For the Joy Set Before Us

In other words, for the joy that was set before Paul, he sang in the jails and loved the jailers. For the joy that was set before him, he sang hymns and saved sinners.

Here is how he described the power of resurrection hope: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Rom 8:18)

Romans 8:18 KJV 1900

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Cor 4:17)

2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV 1900

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

And Jesus himself draws the double connection between that resurrection hope and singing in suffering, and that resurrection hope and loving the undeserving.

Here’s the link between hope and singing: Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account [and strip you, and beat you with rods, and put you in stocks].

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven [in the joy of your risen Master at the resurrection]. (Matt 5:11-12)

Matthew 5:11–12 KJV 1900

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Here’s the link between hope and loving: But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind [the jailers, the slave girls], and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you.

For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just [in the joy of your risen Master at the resurrection]. (Luke 14:13-14) Sing Through Suffering

Luke 14:13–14 KJV 1900

13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

I assume that I am surrounded in this room by people who love to sing.

So do I.

How will we, then, when our suffering comes, sing to the Lord and love the jailer?

I assume you know that lavish settings like the Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba are temporary, opulent aberrations in the Christian life of love.

Your suffering is coming.

How will you sing in it?

And love?

The answer is:

for the joy that is set before us.

This is the explosive power of the resurrection now.

Singing to the Lord in suffering.

And loving the jailer.

This is not a personality trait.

This is Christianity.

The resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of the Christian message.

How unfortunate that church services may stress the empty tomb only on Easter Sunday, or even just through the Eastertide season.

Another concern is the common way Christians summarize the gospel by mentioning only Jesus’ death.

Without the resurrection, Jesus’ ministry ends in defeat and disillusionment (Luke 24:21).

Luke 24:21 KJV 1900

21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

But everything changes if “He is not here! He has risen from the dead, just as he said” (.

The resurrection culminates the passion narrative in all four Gospels because it is at the center of redemption itself.

Without it, one can only pity Jesus as a dead martyr whose lofty ideals were sadly misunderstood.

With it, one must stand in awe of the exalted Messiah, the Son of the living God, who gave His life as a ransom for many, who presently reigns at God’s right hand, and who will one day return in glory to fix this broken world.

Paul bluntly stated that apart from the resurrection our faith and message are in vain (1 Cor 15:12-19).

Thinking about how absolutely bleak and pointless any so-called “Christian” life would be without the resurrection should spur us to ponder it all the more:

Without the resurrection, Jesus’ death would go without divine interpretation and endorsement.

The resurrection amounts to the Father’s clear signal that Jesus is the powerful Son of God who has conquered death and reigns as Lord of all (Rom 1:4 ; Rom 4:25).

The resurrection demonstrates that Jesus’ “blood of the new covenant” saves His people from their sins.

Apart from the resurrection, there would be no reason for the cup of memorial at the Lord’s Table because there would be no reason to anticipate the cup of new wine in the Father’s Kingdom (Matt 26:28).

Without the resurrection, none of Jesus’ promises would be trustworthy.

If Jesus did not rise from the dead after promising many times that He would do so ( Matt 12:40 ) Matt 16:21;( Matt 17:9 ,23 ; Matt 20:19 ; Matt 26:32 , He should be pitied or scorned, not believed and obeyed (1 Cor 15:16-19 ) .

As C. S. Lewis said in “Mere Christianity,” He would have been deceived or a deceiver.

But His most amazing promise has come true, so how can we not depend on and live by all the rest of His promises?

Without the resurrection, there would be no apostolic foundation for the church (Matt 16:18).

Jesus’ resurrection turned scattered deserters back into faithful followers (Matt 26:31-32 ).

The astonishing-yet-true news brought to them by the two women who first discovered the empty tomb and later by the risen Lord Jesus Himself brought the scattered disciples back into the fold and emboldened them for witness ( Matt 28:7, 10, 16-20 ).

That same resurrection message is still powerful to transform doubters into disciples today.

Without the resurrection, there would be no model of sacrificial living.

Jesus embodied and demonstrated the oxymoron of the crucified life, that a self-centered life is misery, and that genuinely abundant living occurs only when one dies to self-interest (Matt 10:38-39) Matt 16:24-28 ; ( Matt 20:26-28 ; Matt 23:12 .

Paul developed this further, teaching us that Jesus’ followers died with Him to the old life and arose with Him to life anew (Rom 6:1-11 ).

But this transformative model of the cross leading to the crown is a farce if Jesus’ suffering did not lead to His resurrection and heavenly reign.

Paul’s basis for teaching the Philippians to live in humility and unity is simply to tell the story of Jesus, centering on how His past humility led to His future exaltation Phil 2:1-13 ).

Without the resurrection, there would be no eschatological shalom to right all earthly wrongs and renew the world (Matt19:28-29 ).

Matthew 19:28–29 KJV 1900

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

The martyrs whose blood cries out from the ground for justice would never be vindicated (Matt 23:35 ; Rev 6:9-11).

Matthew 23:35 KJV 1900

35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Revelation 6:9–11 KJV 1900

9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

The untold millions of injustices perpetrated by human beings throughout history would never be made right.

There would be no ultimate reckoning for sin, and Satan would win the cosmic battle.

But the resurrection guarantees that the disciples’ model prayer will be answered– the will of God will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10.

Matthew 6:10 KJV 1900

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

By raising Jesus, God showed all people that they will ultimately answer to Him for what they have done (Matt 16:27 ; Acts 17:31 ; John 5:28-29

Matthew 16:27 KJV 1900

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Acts 17:31 KJV 1900

31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

John 5:28–29 KJV 1900

28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

To be sure, the apostolic proclamation of the gospel centered on the cross (Gal 6:14 ) ; Rev 5:6,9 Heb 12:9-14 Heb 2:9, 14 1 Peter 1:19 1 Cor 1:18-25 ).

Galatians 6:14 KJV 1900

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Revelation 5:6 KJV 1900

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Revelation 5:9 KJV 1900

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Hebrews 12:9–14 KJV 1900

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Hebrews 2:9 KJV 1900

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Hebrews 2:14 KJV 1900

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

1 Peter 1:19 KJV 1900

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 Corinthians 1:18–25 KJV 1900

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

But the meaning of the cross is at best unclear without the resurrection.

Any presentation of the good news of Jesus the Messiah must stress His resurrection as the essential explanation of His death and the proof of its saving power.

Any “gospel” which does not place Jesus’ resurrection alongside Jesus’ death is not the authentic message of Jesus and his apostles.

Jesus is not a dead martyr to be pitied, but a living, reigning, returning Lord to be loved and emulated, both in present suffering and in future reward (Phil 3:10-11 ).

Philippians 3:10–11 KJV 1900

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

As we move past Easter and into the summer, ponder the apostles’ teaching on the power of the resurrection in passages like these:

Acts 2:32 Acts 3:15,26 Acts 4:2, 10, 33 Acts 5:30 Acts 10:40 Acts 13:32 .

Acts 2:32 KJV 1900

32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Acts 17:18 , 31 ; 23:6; 24:21; 25:19; 26:8, 23.

Acts 17:18 KJV 1900

18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

Rom 1:4; 4:25; 6:4-5; 8:11; 10:9.

Romans 1:4 KJV 1900

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

1 Cor 15 ;

1 Corinthians 15 KJV 1900

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? 30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? 31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. 33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

2 Cor 4:10 , 14; 13:4.

2 Corinthians 4:10 KJV 1900

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

Gal 1:1.

Galatians 1:1 KJV 1900

1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Eph 1:20 ; 2:5; 4:10.

Ephesians 1:20 KJV 1900

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Phil 2:8-9 ; Col 2:12; 3:1-4.

Philippians 2:8–9 KJV 1900

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

1 Thess 4:14;

1 Thessalonians 4:14 KJV 1900

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1 Tim 3:16

1 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

.Heb 1:3 ; 10:12; 12:3..

Hebrews 1:3 KJV 1900

3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

1 Peter 1:21; 3:18-22.

1 Peter 1:21 KJV 1900

21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Rev 1:5, 18; 2:8; 5:6-10

Revelation 1:5 KJV 1900

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

THE TRIUMPH OF HIS RESURRECTION

THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST by Francis Dixon Scripture Portion: 1 Cor 15

1 Corinthians 15 KJV 1900

One of the most wonderful chapters in the Bible is 1 Corinthians chapter 15.

It is the great Resurrection chapter, and in the opening Paul plainly declares the gospel - look up verses 1-4.

Here is the ‘good news’! The Lord Jesus ”died for our sins…was buried, and…raised”.

Deeply significant as was the Saviour’s death, had He not risen from the tomb His death would have meant very little to us.

The resurrection of the Lord Jesus was unique.

Others have died and God raised them to life again; but they have died again sooner or later - look up 2 Kings 4:32-35; 2 Kings 13:21; Matthew 9:25; Luke 7:12-15; John 11:43-44 and Acts 9:36-41.

2 Kings 4:32–35 KJV 1900

32 And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. 33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord. 34 And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. 35 Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

2 Kings 13:21 KJV 1900

21 And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.

Matthew 9:25 KJV 1900

25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

Luke 7:12–15 KJV 1900

12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

John 11:43–44 KJV 1900

43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Acts 9:36–41 KJV 1900

36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

Jesus died, but he was raised on the third day in the power of an endless life - look up 1 Corinthians 15:4 and Revelation 1:18.

1 Corinthians 15:4 KJV 1900

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Revelation 1:18 KJV 1900

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

The resurrection of the Lord Jesus was a literal, bodily resurrection.

His body was hung upon the cross, and after He voluntarily “gave up his spirit”, they took His body down from the cross, and Joseph and Nicodemus laid that body in the garden tomb, a body of flesh and bones (Luke 24:39); a body that could be fed and handled (John 20:27 and Acts 10:41); and yet it was a body that obeyed other laws - look up John 20:14,15,19.

Luke 24:39 KJV 1900

39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

John 20:27 KJV 1900

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

Acts 10:41 KJV 1900

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

John 20:14 KJV 1900

14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

John 20:15 KJV 1900

15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

John 20:19 KJV 1900

It is foolish to speak of His spiritual resurrection: His spirit did not die, and therefore did not rise - compare Luke 24:36-43; John 19:33-34 and John 20:27.

Luke 24:36–43 KJV 1900

36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them.

John 19:33–34 KJV 1900

33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

John 20:27 KJV 1900

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

Let us consider evidence that Jesus Christ really did rise again from the dead.

1. There is the word of the Lord Jesus Himself

Before He died, Jesus said that on the third day after His death He would rise again - look up Matthew 12:39-40; Matthew 16:21 and John 2:18-22; and after His resurrection He declared that He had risen from the dead - look up John 20:19-29 and Revelation 1:18.

Matthew 12:39–40 KJV 1900

39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Matthew 16:21 KJV 1900

John 2:18–22 KJV 1900

18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? 21 But he spake of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

John 20:19–29 KJV 1900

19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Revelation 1:18 KJV 1900

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

If, in fact, He did not rise, then He was a deceiver and a liar. To disbelieve the bodily resurrection of Christ is to reject His own testimony.

On the other hand, if He is the Son of God (and we believe and know that He is!), we know that He rose again because we have His own word for it - look up 1 John 5:9-10.

1 John 5:9–10 KJV 1900

9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

2. There is the historic account in the four Gospels

In spite of the fact that every attempt has been made to discredit the accuracy of these records, no-one has ever succeeded! In the Gospels we have four independent accounts of the resurrection, written without collaboration on the part of the writers, and these four eye-witness accounts manifest a wonderful harmony.

It is easy to agree that the resurrection of the Lord Jesus is ‘the best attested fact of history’ when one reads the historical account of the resurrection in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. See (4) for some of the references.

3. There is the significance of the empty tomb

In the Gospels there is no indication that anyone questioned the fact that the tomb really was empty.

How did it become empty?

(1) The disciples removed the body?

Why should they? How did they get past the soldiers? Were they all deceivers?

(2) Joseph removed the body? Why - and where? Was he also a deceiver – look up Mark 15:43.

Mark 15:43 KJV 1900

43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

(3) The Jews removed the body? Had they done so they would have been the first to say so.

(4) The Roman soldiers removed the body? Why should they risk their lives by doing so?

(5) He did not really die? He only lapsed into unconsciousness? This is another of the unreasonable and stupid explanations given by infidels, but the truth is - He rose again!

4. There is the evidence of those who saw Him, touched Him, ate with Him and spoke with Him

There were at least fourteen groups or persons who saw Him alive after His death. Look up and compare the following references:

(1) John 20:14-18

John 20:14–18 KJV 1900

14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

.(2) Matthew 28:8-10.

Matthew 28:8–10 KJV 1900

8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

(3) Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5.

Luke 24:34 KJV 1900

34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

1 Corinthians 15:5 KJV 1900

5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

(4) Luke 24:13-31.

Luke 24:13–31 KJV 1900

13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. 17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? 19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. 22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. 25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. 29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. 30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

(5) Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-24

Luke 24:36–43 KJV 1900

John 20:19–24 KJV 1900

(6) John 20:24-29.

John 20:24–29 KJV 1900

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

(7) John 21:1-23.

John 21:1–23 KJV 1900

1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. 2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. 20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

(8) 1 Corinthians 15:6.

1 Corinthians 15:6 KJV 1900

6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

(9) 1 Corinthians 15:7.

1 Corinthians 15:7 KJV 1900

7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

(10) Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20; Luke 24:33-53; Acts 1:3-12.

Matthew 28:16–20 KJV 1900

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:14–20 KJV 1900

14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Luke 24:33–53 KJV 1900

33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. 36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them. 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Acts 1:3–12 KJV 1900

3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.

(11) Acts 9:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8.

Acts 9:3–6 KJV 1900

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

1 Corinthians 15:8 KJV 1900

8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

(12) Acts 22:17-21; Acts 23:11.

Acts 22:17–21 KJV 1900

17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. 19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. 21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

Acts 23:11 KJV 1900

11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

(13) Acts 7:55.

Acts 7:55 KJV 1900

55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

(14) Revelation 1:18.

Revelation 1:18 KJV 1900

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Some have tried to make out that the disciples did not really see the Lord Jesus and speak with Him – they only imagined they saw Him!

What a foolish suggestion this is!

5. There is the bold and certain testimony of the Apostles

Before His death these men had not grasped the fact that He would rise again, and when He was arrested and later crucified they were timid, cowardly and full of fear (Matthew 26:56 and John 20:19);

Matthew 26:56 KJV 1900

56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

John 20:19 KJV 1900

but after His resurrection they became bold and courageous (Acts 4:13);

Acts 4:13 KJV 1900

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

and the only message that they had to proclaim was that ”this Jesus has God raised up…” - look up Acts 1:21-22; Acts 2:36; Acts 3:15; Acts 4:2 and 33; Acts 17:18; Acts 23:6; Romans 10:9 and Philippians 3:8-10.

Acts 1:21–22 KJV 1900

21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Acts 2:36 KJV 1900

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Acts 3:15 KJV 1900

15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Acts 4:2 KJV 1900

2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Acts 17:18 KJV 1900

Acts 23:6 KJV 1900

Romans 10:9 KJV 1900

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Philippians 3:8–10 KJV 1900

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Rather than deny their risen Lord they were willing to be persecuted, imprisoned and even martyred - look up Acts 5:41; Acts 7:54-60 and Acts 12:2.

Acts 5:41 KJV 1900

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Acts 7:54–60 KJV 1900

54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 12:2 KJV 1900

2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

6. There is the existence of the Church and the Lord’s Day

These two permanent ’institutions’ both testify to the reality of the resurrection.

Look up Acts 2:47…it is still going on! See also Acts 20:7.

Acts 2:47 KJV 1900

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 20:7 KJV 1900

7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

7. The whole scheme of Redemption necessitated the Resurrection

The mighty work that He accomplished when He died for us could only be accomplished in us if He rose again; only thus could the salvation He made possible become actual and experimental.

In concluding this study, meditate upon Romans 10:9 and Hebrews 7:25.

Romans 10:9 KJV 1900

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Hebrews 7:25 KJV 1900

25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

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THE GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST" MATTHEW 28:1-7; ACTS 2:22-24; I CORINTHIANS 15:1-23

"THE GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST" MATTHEW 28:1-7; ACTS 2:22-24; I CORINTHIANS 15:1-23

INTRO: Today we are gathered together to celebrate THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

But DOES IT REALLY MATTER VERY MUCH WHETHER OR NOT CHRIST ROSE FROM THE DEAD?

The words of the APOSTLE PAUL in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 leave us in no doubt as to the IMPORTANCE OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST!

J. Oswald Sanders said: "THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION IS CENTRAL IN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, NOT PERIPHERAL.

TO DENY IT IS TO REMOVE THE KEYSTONE OF THE ARCH OF CHRISTIANITY.

WITHOUT IT, THE CRUCIFIXION OF OUR LORD WOULD HAVE BEEN IN VAIN, FOR IT WAS THE RESURRECTION WHICH VALIDATED AND GAVE SAVING VALUE TO HIS ATONING DEATH.

OF ALL THE GREAT RELIGIONS, CHRISTIANITY ALONE BASES ITS CLAIM TO ACCEPTANCE ON THE RESURRECTION OF ITS FOUNDER.

IF IT IS NOT A FACT, OUR PREACHING IS EMPTIED OF CONTENT.

INSTEAD OF BEING A DYNAMIC MESSAGE, IT MERELY ENSHRINES A FRAGRANT MEMORY AND OUR FAITH IS WITHOUT FACTUAL BASIS AND IS THEREFORE EMPTY.

THE SCRIPTURE WRITERS BECOME PURVEYORS OF INTENTIONAL LIES, AND THE SCRIPTURES THEMSELVES UNRELIABLE. WITHOUT THE RESURRECTION, DELIVERANCE FROM THE PENALTY, POWER AND PRESENCE OF SIN IS NO MORE THAN A MIRAGE, AND THE FUTURE LIFE IS STILL SHROUDED IN MIDNIGHT DARKINESS."

SOMEONE WROTE:

"IF EASTER BE NOT TRUE, THEN OUR FAITH MUST MOUNT ON A BROKEN WING;

THEN OUR HOPE NO MORE IMMORTAL SPRING;

THEN LOVE MUST LOSE HER MIGHTY URGE;

LIFE PROVE A PHANTOM AND A DIRGE, IF EASTER BE NOT TRUE."

THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS REAL AND PRESENTS A GLORY BEYOND OUR HUMAN IMAGINATION TO COMPREHEND.

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NOTE: "GLORY" means "To Exalt, To Joy, To Vaunt, To REJOICE

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I. GLORY OF THE EMPTY TOMB - MATTHEW 28:6,7

A. Imagine the Sorrow

B. Imagine the Anxiety

C. Imagine the Confusion

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

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II. GLORY OF THE APPEARANCES OF CHRIST - 1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-8 (6 OF THE 13 APPEARANCES SPOKEN OF HERE)

A. Imagine the Grief

B. Imagine the Surprise

C. Imagine the Excitement

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

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III. GLORY OF THE PLAN OF GOD - ACTS 2:22-24

A. Imagine the Strategy of God- Vs. 23

B. Imagine the Power of God - Vs. 24a

C. Imagine the Possibility of God - Vs. 24b

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

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IV. GLORY OF THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH - ACTS 2:37-41

A. Imagine the Response - Vs. 37

B. Imagine the Invitation - Vs. 38-40

C. Imagine the Response - Vs. 41

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

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V. GLORY OF THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH - ACTS 2:42-47

A. Imagine the Excitement

B. Imagine the Praise

C. Imagine the Expectation

D. IMGAINE THE GLORY!

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VI. GLORY OF THE CHANGED LIVES - ACTS 4:16-20

A. Imagine the Contrast

B. Imagine the Commitment

C. Imagine the Boldness

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

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VII. GLORY OF THE EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION

A. The Words of a Lost Lawyer - Dr. Frank Morison

B. The Words of a Professor of Ancient History - Dr. Paul L. Maier

C. The Words of a Jewish Historian - Flavius Josephus

D. THE WORDS OF THE ANGEL OF THE LORD! "HE IS NOT HERE - HE IS RISEN"

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VIII. GLORY OF CHANGED LIVES TODAY

A. From Hopelessness to Happiness

B. From Gloom to Glory

C. From Hell to Heaven

D. IMAGINE THE GLORY!

IX. GLORY OF OUR RESURRECTION - 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-23

A. Guarantees Victory over Death

B. Guarantees Life with Christ after Death

C. Guarantees Hope for the Future

D.IMAGINE THE GLORY!

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THE APPLICATION 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 SECULAR EVIDENCES OF THE RESURRECTION

Resurrection of Jesus Why the Resurrection Matters to You Explaining the evidence for and meaning of the resurrection. Every day, more and more people are taking a look — for some, a second glance — at the historical person of Jesus of Nazareth.

So why do His life and teachings still generate such interest today?

What I Found in My Search

To begin with, everything about Him was unique: The predictions of His coming. His birth. His life. His teachings. His miracles. His death. And especially His resurrection.

It is history’s most significant event.