The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Mat. 28:1-10, Lk. 24:1-12, Jn. 20:1-29
Introduction
Today is considered the resurrection day of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I’m very sure that most of the Pastors will be preaching about the resurrection. I think it’s also a good idea to preach about resurrection today. I know most of you have heard and knows about it, but it’s always good to remind everybody that the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Do you know that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is where Christianity stands or falls? The Word of God says that “if Christ be not risen, then our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain (1 Cor. 15:14). Death has no power the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We will continue our topic this coming Sunday (if the Lord wills) on the Book of Ecclesiastes.
Illustration: “Proofs” From Mount Of Transfiguration
The sudden appearance of Moses and Elijah, on the mount (Luke 9:30) settles many age-long questions—
First, on life after death. The appearance of these dead saints, very much alive, demonstrated that there is life after death.
Second, on reincarnation. Moses and Elijah appeared as individual persons. They were not reincarnated under other forms of creatures. There is nothing here of Hindu “karma,” (the consequence to determine the nature of persons next existence) which supposedly issues in a nirvana (state of perfect happiness and peace).
Third, on recognition of saints. Moses was still recognized as Moses, and Elijah was still Elijah. We would be able to recognize each other in the resurrection.
Fourth, on soul sleep. This disproves the theory of soul sleep, as both Moses and Elijah were alive consciously and in conversation.
Fifth, on glorified bodies. Moses and Elijah had bodies which could suddenly appear and disappear; similar in structure, height, and appearance, yet different in texture. This gives us a glimpse of our future resurrected bodies.
Sixth, fellowship of saints. Moses and Elijah evidently enjoyed fellowship in heaven, as they talked with Christ.
Seventh, knowledge of earthly events. Moses and Elijah were apparently intelligently in touch with earth. They talked with Jesus of “His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.” They are absolutely joyful and forever satisfied in their glorified state.
Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.
I. Why we believed Christ rose from the dead:
1. Jesus predicted His resurrection (Matt. 16:21; Mark 9:9-10; John 2:18-22).
2. It was prophesied in the Old Testament (Psalm 16:10; compare Acts 2:25-31; 13:33- 37).
3. The tomb was empty and the graveclothes vacant. If those who opposed Christ wished to silence His disciples, all they had to do was produce a body, but they could not (John 20:3-9).
4. Many people saw the resurrected Christ. They looked on His face, touched Him, heard His voice, and saw Him eat (Matt. 28:16-20; Luke 24:13-39; John 20:11-29; John 21:1-9; Acts 1:6-11; 1 Cor. 15:3-8). Christ was seen by more than 500 at the same time. Paul was telling the believers, if you do not believe me, ask them. More than 500 witnesses are an overwhelming evidence. (Note also that at the time he was writing 1 Corinthians, some of those witnesses are fallen asleep or no longer alive). But still it does not deny the fact that there were many who saw the resurrected Christ.
5. The lives of the disciples were drastically changed. Though they fled and even denied Christ at the time of His arrest, they later feared no one in their proclamation that Christ rose from the dead (Matt. 26:56, 69-75).
6. The resurrection was the central message of the early church. The church grew with an unwavering conviction that Christ had risen (Acts 4:33; 5:30-32; Rom. 5:24).
7. Men and women today testify that the power of the risen Christ has transformed their lives. We know that Jesus is alive not only because of the historical and biblical evidence but also because He has miraculously touched our lives.
II. The Resurrection Hope 1 Corinthians 15:17, 18
Our entire faith rests or falls with the resurrection. If Christ did not die and was not raised from the dead, then:
1. Your faith is vain.
2. You are still in your sins.
3. All who have died have perished.
4. Then there will be no future reunions with loved ones, but Christ did rise from the dead.
Because Jesus rose we have a positive hope of reunion.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, every man, woman, and child shall rise from the dead.
III. The Importance of Christ’s Resurrection
1. It proved that Christ is God
2. His resurrection from the dead makes it manifest that his sacrifice was accepted by God the Father
3. It means that salvation is an accomplished fact. Jesus said that salvation was completed when He died on the cross. His resurrection confirms it.
4. His resurrection is a proof that he made a full atonement for our sins, that his sacrifice was accepted as a satisfaction to divine justice, and his blood a ransom for sinners.
5. It is also a pledge and an earnest of the resurrection of all believers (Rom. 8:11; 1Cor. 6:14; 15:47-49; Ph. 3:21; 1Jo 3:2). As he lives, we shall live also.
6. He will one day come to judge (Acts 17:31). At the resurrection, He will judge and cast the unsaved to hell forever and ever.
7. We have an intercessor in glory (Rom. 8:34)
Illustration: A Sign for Unbelievers
Well over three hundred verses are concerned with the subject of Jesus’ resurrection in the New Testament. We are told that this event is a sign for unbelievers (Matt. 12:38-40); cf. John 20:24-29)as well as the answer for the believer’s doubt (Luke 24:38-43). It serves as the guarantee that Jesus’
teachings are true (Acts 2:22-24; 1 Cor. 15:12-20) and is the center of the gospel itself (Rom. 4:24-25, 10:9; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). Further, the resurrection is the impetus for evangelism (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 10:39-43), the key indication of the believer’s daily power to live the Christian life (Rom. 6:4-14, 8:9- 11; Phil. 3:10) and the reason for the total commitment of our lives (Rom. 7:4; 1 Cor. 15:57-58). The resurrection even addresses the fear of death (John 11:25; 1 Cor. 15:54-58; cf. Heb. 2:14-15) and is
related to the second coming of Jesus (Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7). Lastly, this event is a model of the Christian’s resurrection from the dead (Acts 4:2; 1 Cor. 6:14; 1 Thess. 4:13-18) and provides a foretaste of heaven for the believer (Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Peter 1:3-5).
Immortality – The Other Side of Death by Gary R. Habermas & J. P. Moreland, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1992, p. 245.
IV. Conclusion:
Our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The evidence is overwhelming even if you go to any court of the law. We have a sure faith that even if we die, we will live again. Will you come to Christ? Repent from your sins and receive Him as your personal Saviour
