SPECIAL TOPIC: THE RESURRECTION

In the  Bible being brought back from death has three senses.

A. Those who did not die but who went to be with God (i.e., Enoch, cf. Gen. 5:24; Elijah, cf. 2 Kgs. 2:11), which is called "being translated."

B. Some, through the power of God, are brought back from death's door to physical health. This is called "resuscitation." They will die at some point in the future.

C. There has been only one resurrection (i.e., Jesus).  He died but was raised from the dead (i.e., hades) and given a new body prepared for eternal life with God.  He is the first fruits of the dead (cf. 1 Cor. 15:20,23; "first born of the dead," cf. Col. 1:15,17).  Because of Him, believers will be resurrected at the Second Coming (cf. Ps. 49:15; 73:24; Isa. 26:19; Dan. 12:2; Matt. 22:31-32; Mark 12:26-27; John 5:25,28-29; 6:39-40,44,54; Rom. 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 John 3:2).

Evidence for the resurrection

A. Fifty (50) days later at Pentecost, the resurrection had become the key note of Peter's sermon (cf. Acts 2).  Thousands who lived in the area where it happened believed!

B. The lives of the disciples were changed radically from discouragement (they were not expecting resurrection) to boldness, even martyrdom.

C. Paul lists many eyewitnesses in 1 Cor. 15:5-8, including himself (cf. Acts 9).

 Significance of the resurrection

A. Shows Jesus was who He claimed to be (cf. Matt. 12:38-40, prediction of death and resurrection)

B. God put His approval on Jesus' life, teaching, and substitutionary death! (cf. Rom. 4:25)

C. Shows us the promise to all Christians (i.e., resurrection bodies, cf. 1 Corinthians 15)

Claims from Jesus that He would rise from the dead

A. Matt. 12:38-40; 16:21; 17:9,22, 23; 20:18-19; 26:32; 27:63

B. Mark 8:31; 9:1-10,31; 14:28,58

C. Luke 9:22-27

D. John 2:19-22; 12:34; chapters 14-16

Both Peter and Paul assert that Psalm 16 refers to Jesus, the Messiah

A. Peter in Acts 2:24-32

B. Paul in Acts 13:32-37

Further Study

A. Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell

B. Who Moved the Stone? by Frank Morrison

C. The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, "Resurrection," "Resurrection of Jesus Christ"

 

Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International