Jesus' Resurrection

Review

GOD, THE GOOD RULER AND CREATOR

Revelation 4:11 “11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.””

Summary

God is the ruler of the world.

He made the world.

He made us to rule his good world, giving thanks and honor to him.

OUR REBELLION AGAINST GOD

Isaiah 53:6a “6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way;

Summary

We all reject God as our ruler by running our own lives our own way.

By rebelling against God’s way, we damage ourselves, each other, and the world.

GOD'S JUSTICE

Hebrews 9:27 “27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,”

Summary

God won’t let us rebel against him forever.

God’s punishment for rebellion is death and judgment.

GOD SENT JESUS TO DIE FOR US

Isaiah 53:6 “6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Summary

Because of his love, God sent his Son into the world: the man Jesus Christ.

Jesus always lived under God’s rule.

But Jesus took our punishment by dying in our place.

New Concept

JESUS, THE RISEN RULER AND SAVIOR

1 Peter 1:3 “3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

Summary

God raised Jesus to life again as the ruler and judge of the world.

Jesus has conquered death, now brings forgiveness and new life, and will return in glory.

The Essential Resurrection

The resurrection is just as essential to the gospel message as the cross.

The biblical concept of resurrection pre-dates the resurrection of Jesus.

John 11:23–24 “23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.””

Read Acts 2:22-38.

What position does Jesus now occupy after being raised by God from death?

How does this relate to the promises of the Old Testament?

According to this passage what does Jesus do as Lord and Christ?

What does Peters call his hearers to do? What does he promise God will do?

How would you explain to a friend that the resurrected Jesus is able to offer forgiveness of sins?

Read Acts 17:30-32.

What does the resurrection of Jesus prove or demonstrate?

Who is this relevant for?

What response does this news require from its hearers?

Why does it matter that the resurrected Jesus Christ is a man?

Key Concepts

Jesus is now the ruler and judge of the world.

The risen, reigning Jesus is the same Jesus who was crucified to save us from God’s judgement.

The resurrection is the “paid in full” stamp on our promisory note with God.

At the final judgement, the same one who died for us will be the judge.

Past, present, and future

He has conquered death

He gives new life

He will return in glory

What are the consequences of leaving out the resurrection from our gospel presentation?

Alternative Theory

Naturalism – death is merely the end of existence and there is no immortal soul

Spiritualism – when our body dies we enter a permanent spiritual state or blend into some universal consciousness

What objections to the resurrection have you come across. How can you respond to them?