The Greatest Historical Moment in History! Part 2
John Hester
Easter 2022 • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
This morning I want to continue with the Easter series that I started last week. We introduced the fact that Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is the GREATEST HISTORICAL MOMENT in all of HISTORY. It all began with His death. His death is extremely important as it was God’s avenue for offering His righteousness to us. None of us are capable of true righteousness. We are all sinners. Our righteousness is filthy and dirty. Thus, every person born into this world is born already falling short of God’s glory. Our current standing with God has not always been this way. Originally, when God created us, we were perfect having a wholesome and good relationship with God. Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden changed all that. Adam and Ever disobeyed the one command that God gave them. They were not to eat of the fruit of the tree known as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It was one simple command by God. Unfortunately, we were not even capable of obeying that one command. For that reason, Scripture declares:
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
God’s holiness demands God’s judgment upon sin. The only way our sin could be forgiven was through a blood sacrifice. However, not any blood sacrifice would suffice. It was a blood sacrifice that must come from a completely sinless offering. No man could meet that requirement. We are all unrighteous in our sin. Thus, God, who is not only holy, but He is also full of great love, rich mercy, and full of grace, made a way for us to be reconciled back to Him. He offered Himself as the perfect Sacrifice for us. His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, offered Himself as our Substitute.
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Christ, who was sinless, became sin for us.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
This is the wonderful news of the gospel. Everyone who believes all that Christ did for them on the cross of Calvary can receive God’s wonderful offer of righteousness. They can be made “the righteousness of God.” His death enables us to be free from the bondage of sin. Through His shed blood, we are redeemed, forgiven, and at peace once again with God.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
However, that is only part one of this great story. The second part gets even better. It is the second part of this wonderful moment in history that we celebrate this morning.
Last week, we read about Christ’s death. He was crucified between two thieves. He willingly yielded up His Spirit for us.
As Paul Harvey used to say, “Here is the rest of the story!”
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.
Last week, I stated that historians agree that Christ did indeed die upon the cross of Calvary. It is the one thing about His story that they get right. However, when it comes to the Christ’s resurrection, not many would agree that He indeed is risen. In fact, it was the Pharisees who, from the very beginning, began to sow seeds of doubt about His resurrection. A fact that is recorded in Scripture itself.
11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Note that “this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.” Here is further proof of the authenticity of Gods’ Word. Indeed, many, especially the Jews, still question if Christ did indeed rise from the dead.
We have been working our way through the book of 1 Corinthians. As we already know, there were several problems at work in the local church at Corinth. It would seem the authenticity of Christ’s resurrection was one of them. The Holy Spirit directly addresses their concerns in 1 Corinthians 15. That is our text for this sunrise service. Look at 1 Corinthians 15 and we will read verse 1-11.
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.
I want to see that Christ’s resurrection is an:
UNDENIABLE FACT
Later, in the morning worship service, we will see Christ’s resurrection is an ESSENTIAL FACT of our theology.
However, for just a few minutes, let’s focus on Christ’s resurrection as HISTORICALLY ACCURATE. Look again at verse one of our text.
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
UNDENIABLE GOSPEL FRUIT
UNDENIABLE GOSPEL FRUIT
The Holy Spirit begins laying the foundation of Christ’s resurrection as historical fact by first reminding the Corinthians believers how they recieved the Gospel message.
When Paul arrived in Corinth the first time, he arrived proclaiming the gospel of Christ. The word “gospel” means “good news.” Paul had good news to share with them. We already noted in our previous study of this wonderful book how Paul how he “determined to not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 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.
As he proclaimed the gospel, many recieved it. And even as they were reading this great letter, they still stood upon their faith in it. Look at the next three verses of our text.
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:
What was Paul’s message? What was the complete context of the gospel message? Is it not that Christ died, was buried, and that He rose again on the third day? You see you cannot separate Christ’s death and resurrection. It is the complete event. He died and He rose again. Thus, to deny His resurrection is to deny His death. Any denial of any part of the all that Christ did is to deny the truth. If there is no resurrection, the preaching of the gospel becomes vain. A dead Christ simply means a dead religion. It makes Christianity no different than any other religion.
Now the Holy Spirit gives ample evidence to the validity of Christ’s resurrection. He points to the many eyewitnesses who are proof that Christ died, was buried, and that He rose again. Each of these give
UNDENIABLE GOSPEL FACTS
UNDENIABLE GOSPEL FACTS
The first witness to step up is Paul himself. Go back to verse 3.
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:
Note three things in Paul’s testimony.
There is the:
Cross - “Christ died for our sins.”
There is much we could say here. However, for the sake of time, we must simply note that their were hundreds who witnessed His death. As we stated before, His death has never been in question because of the overwhelming number of people who watched Him die.
Cemetery - “he was buried.”
Again, none dispute that Christ was buried. We know that two of Jerusalem’s most influential men united to ensure a proper burial of our Lord. They were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Both men together spent a fortune in spices alone with Joseph providing a valuable tomb for Him to rest.
Calendar - “he rose again on the third day”
Today, on our calendar, we celebrate the day on Christ’s calendar when walked out of the tomb. He died. He was buried. Yet, three days later, as He promised, Christ arose!
Vainly they seal the dead
Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes;
He arose a Victor from the dark domain
And He lives forever with His saints to reign;
He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
This morning, as we think back to Calvary, we remember our Lord as He was nailed to Calvary’s tree. Then, He was taken down and buried in a borrowed tomb. During His death, the rocks rent, the sun was darkened, and the graves gaped wide. It seemed that death had indeed won. The rock was placed over the tomb. It was sealed and guarded. Everyone returned to their homes. All was done. Earth continued on its journey through space carrying the lifeless body of God Incarnate! Then, three days later, the stone is rolled away and Christ step out alive with His resurrected body. Death was defeated!
Later, Christ declared to the apostle John:
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.
It is of great significance that He arose three days later. Repeatedly, Christ told the disciples He would arise in three days.
19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
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.
It was these very words that the Pharisees remembered and were concerned. It was the very thing that drove them to place guards before the tomb.
63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
However, their efforts were meaningless. No stone and no human guard could keep the Lord of Life from walking out of that tomb. Thus, they fabricated a story in a effort to cover up their failure.
11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
It was silly and useless lie. It was lie that held no truth for Christ indeed rose again on the third day just as He promised.
As if further proof were needed, the Holy Spirit points to all the eyewitnesses of Christ after His resurrection.
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.
There was Peter (Cephas) who was the very one to deny Christ.
There was the entire group of His disciples (the twelve).
There were the five hundred who saw Him at once and, at the time of writing this letter, many were still alive able to testify even then.
There was James.
There were all the apostles.
There was Paul.
The story is told of two men in Britain who were confirmed skeptics, Lord Lyttleton and Gilbert West. Both men met in London with plans to demolish Christianity. They agreed that Christianity rested on two major premises - the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. If they could undermine these two things, they thought, they could destroy the Christian religion. Gilbert West volunteered to disprove the Resurrection. Lord Lyttleton agreed to take on Saul’s conversion. They then agreed to separate for a period of time, pursue their studies, and then meet again to review their progress. What happened is one of the romances of the faith. Both men were converted to Christ while looking for evidence to support their claims. Instead of disproving Christ’s resurrection and Saul’s conversion, both men wrote their books proving the accuracy of the New Testament narrative. Gilbert West became an author of a book on the resurrection of Christ. Lord Lyttleton championed Saul’s conversion.
Paul was the list witness. He was one “born out of due time.” Being “born out of due time” only added to the veracity of Christ’s resurrection. Thus, there is more than ample proof that provides evidence to Christ’s resurrection. It is an undeniable fact.
Now, here is one last thought and we are done.
All of this leads to an:
UNDENIABLE GOSPEL FAITH
UNDENIABLE GOSPEL FAITH
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.
Here we find Paul’s own testimony. He acknowledges that he is who is all because of God’s wonderful grace. God’s grace is always the foundation for our faith. God’s unmerited favor towards us is the heart of the gospel message. It was God who loved us. It was God who provided a means for us to return to Him. It was His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who willingly became our Substitute. The Lord Jesus came, died, was buried, and rose again. He did it all for us. In end, our simple responsibility is to BELIEVE all that God has said and done.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
As believers, we rejoice this morning of God’s amazing grace. It is the reason we can stand and sing:
Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died on Calvary.
By God’s Word at last my sin I learned-
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary.
Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary.
O the love that drew salvation’s plan!
O the grace that bro’t it down to man!
O the might gulf that God span at Calvary!
Mercy there was great, and grace was free,
Pardon there was multiplied to me,
There my burdened soul found liberty - At Calvary.
The Holy Spirit concludes, “so we preach, and so ye believed.”
Conclusion
Conclusion
I cannot tell what is in the heart of person sitting here this morning. I have no idea what your standing before God may be. However, what I do know is this! God loves you. He personally gave Himself for you so that you might be restored in fellowship back to Him. Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is your path back to God. This morning, you have heard God’s Word and His glorious gospel message. Please don’t spurn it! Instead, open your heart’s door to the Holy Spirit’s wooing. Put your complete faith in all that God has already done for you. Embrace His mercy and grace this morning! It was His plan. He brought it down to man. Now, all you need to do is humble yourself, admit your sinful condition by repenting, and then believe with all your heart as you confess with your mouth. When you do, you burdened soul will find liberty at Calvary!
Believer, praise Him this morning! Rejoice in His death, burial, and resurrection. You are what you are this morning because of His grace. You heard and so you believed. Now, you gladly own Him as your King. Thus, we can only sing of Calvary.