Resurrection. That's what it all boils down to. Without it, the Bible is
just a wonderful book of literature, history and rules. Without it, there
is no Christian faith. Today we look at passages concerning resurrection.
I hope you all have a blessed Easter.
John 11:25 (RSV) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection
and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and
whoever lives and believes in me shall never die."
Matthew 28:1-10 (NKJV) Now after the Sabbath, as the first
day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to
see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the
Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door,
and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white
as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know
that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as
He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell
His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before
you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." So they
went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring
His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus
met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped
Him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren
to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me."
1 Corinthians 15:18-20 (RSV) Then they also which are
fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in
Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the
dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1 Peter 1:3-5 (NASB) Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to
be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from
the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and
will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the
power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last
time.
John 5:25-29 (NASB) Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour
is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God,
and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in Himself,
even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; and He gave Him
authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel
at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear
His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection
of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of
judgment