Doctrine of the Resurrection

Sunday Morning June 11, 2006

1st Corinthians 15:1-28

            At the time Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian Church, there were still many that had been in the physical presence of the resurrected Jesus.  He reminded his listeners that the Gospel message he then proclaimed had not changed in any way.  Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead after three days. 

Then as now, the biggest roadblock facing the spread of the Gospel was the doctrine of the resurrection.  Many believed that the soul went to a place of peace and rest but had trouble accepting a bodily resurrection.  Paul may very well have seen Jesus before His death on the cross but he did not believe in the resurrection or come to faith until his experience on the Damascus road.  The scriptures seem to indicate that it was a visit from the resurrected Jesus that caused the Lord’s family to first believe (John 7:5 & Acts 1:14).

            I have been preaching now for 33 years.  In that time, I have sat at the bedside of dozens of dying believers.  I have held the hands of those whose hearts were breaking and have done my best to offer words of comfort to loved ones left behind.  I have looked into the eyes of three young mothers and told them that their infant child is at home with the Father.  I cannot say how many funerals I have helped conduct.  It is in those times that our faith is truly tested.  Anyone can speak the words of life when nothing especially vital is at stake.  But try to comfort someone whose loved one is gone and mere words will not suffice.

            In those times we need an assurance unshakable.  We need the testimony of someone with personal knowledge.  Our Lord has gone before us through that dark doorway and returned to assure us that the shadows are fleeting – possessing no power to hurt us.  Added to His word, we have the testimony of hundreds that witnessed the events we accept by faith. 

            I think it necessary to consider the more difficult subjects from time to time.  Death is always with us and yet seldom contemplated.  We must not wait until death takes a loved one before contemplating its reality.

I.                    The Expression Paul Used, Fallen Asleep

A.    The most natural of acts

1.      A perfect ending for a wearying day

2.      Not painful but restful; escaping pain

B.     A position of utmost safety – “it is recovery and not death”  S. T. Coleridge

C.    A promise full of hope

1.      We shall awaken from this sleep

2.      Our waking will be instantaneous

3.      Flesh is mortal but spirit is eternal

4.      Our sleep will have prepared us for an eternity of activity

II.                 The Blessed Promise

A.    The dead cannot inherit the kingdom of God

B.     The Holy Spirit is God’s Earnest

C.    We shall awaken at the sound of the Lord’s call

III.               The Ultimate Question, “Are We Ready?”

A.    Is your house in order?

B.     Have you made peace with God?  With man?