2003-04-20 - The Resurrection of Believers

Encore 1999-04-10

Psalm 49:14-15 They are appointed as a flock for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd. And the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning. And their beauty shall be for Sheol to consume, that there be no habitation for it. ¹⁵ But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol. For he will receive me. Selah

This psalm is addressed to all people, and describes those who trust in wealth and boast of their riches, but cannot by any means redeem a brother. The redemption of life is of greater cost than any riches can ever cover, either now or in the future; anyone who thinks differently is a fool. They are appointed as a flock for Sheol until the morning - the dawn of a new era - when the UPRIGHT (the Lord Jesus) comes to reign upon the earth. At that time, the judgment of the Great White Throne occurs. It is then and there, that the wicked shall be judged (Revelation 20:15). But those who are truly wise are redeemed from the power of Sheol and death; God Himself receives them.

THE OLD TESTAMENT FORETELLS THE RESURRECTION

Psalm 71:20 Thou, who hast showed us many and sore troubles, wilt quicken us again, and wilt bring us up again from the depths of the earth.

Daniel 12:1-3 ALSO GRAPHICALY DESCRIBES THE RESURRECTION: And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time:. And at that time, thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. ² And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. ³ And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

ALL the writers of the Gospels - Mathew, Mark, Luke and John provide clear and forthright accounts of the resurrection of Jesus. Because they are too long to record here, I will just give the Scripture references.

Mathew 28:1-5

Mark 16:1-8

Luke 24:1-12

John 20:1-10

The Apostle Paul wrote concerning numerous appearances of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 15:1-8 Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all, that which also I received - that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;, and that he was buried, and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures - and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also.

The Apostle John also testifies that all the Apostles had the same experience. They gave testimony to the effect that following the resurrection, they heard Jesus, saw Jesus and touched Jesus. They were familair with His voice; they had heard Him in private conversations and in public discourses throughout His earthly ministry. Being eyewitnesses, the Apostles had complete, unshakable confidence in their testimony to the fact of the resurrection of Jesus. Following His resurrection, the Lord Jesus made more than ten appearances to one or more of His disciples - and on one occasion, he appeared to more than 500 people.

1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. ³ And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we beheld, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of life. ² (And the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare unto you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us) - ³ that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us. Yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ And these things we write, that our joy may be made full.

This passage of scripture promises that God shall give His children glorified bodies like that of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ has proven that there is life and blessed immortality beyond the grave.

II Timothy 1:8-11 Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner. But suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God, who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher.

In His Service,
Psalm 122:6
Rick & Sandy

 liv4yeshua@cfdevotionals.org
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