Resurrection in the New Testament

Intro.

1.  Having seen that the Old Testament faithful knew there was something beyond this life, and that the body would be raised from the grave, it still remained as to who would accomplish this great feat, how it would occur, and when.

2.  The answers are found in Jesus Christ - Jno. 14:6.

I.  JESUS IS OUR HOPE OF RESURRECTION - Jno. 11:25.

  A.  As "The Resurrection & The Life," Jesus Provides:

    1.  A spiritual resurrection from the death of sin - Jno. 5:24-27 (Col. 2:12).

    2.  A bodily resurrection from the grave - Jno. 5:28-29.

  B.  Jesus Raised The Dead - (Lk. 7:11-17; 8:49-56) Jno. 11:38-45.

  C.  Jesus Is The "Firstborn From The Dead" - Col. 1:18 -- Rev. 1:18.

    1.  "Firstfruits" of the dead - 1 Cor. 15:20.

    2.  He is our assurance that we will be raised, too!

* This testimony is to bring us to faith in Him as the One who can raise us from spiritual death & Who will raise our bodies unto judgment!

II.  ALL THE DEAD WILL BE RAISED - Jno. 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:21-23.

  A.  One Resurrection Of All At The Same Time (Same Occasion) - Jno. 5:28; Acts 24:15.

  B.  All Judged According To Our Works - Rev. 20:11-13.

  C.  The Kingdom Will Be Delivered Up To God The Father - 1 Cor. 15:23-26.

III.  QUESTIONS ABOUT RESURRECTION? - 1 Cor. 15:35-49

  A.  Question #1: "How are the dead raised up?" - 15:35

    1.  By the power of God! - 1 Cor. 6:14.

    2.  The same power that raised Jesus - 1 Ths. 4:14.

    3.  The same power that gives a body to seed - 15:36-38.

  B.  Question #2: "What kind of body will we have?" - 15:35-49

    1.  It will be a body which pleases God - 15:36-38.

      a.  v. 36 - Germination illustrates life after dead.

      b.  v. 37 - Do not plant the body, but the seed.

      c.  v. 38 - The "body" which rises is according to God's will.

    2.  "So also is the resurrection of the dead" (15:42):

-15:39-41 - Different kinds of bodies exist, & they have a variety of substances & appearances (glories):  Flesh (animals & birds); heavenly & earthly objects (sun, moon, stars).

      a.  v. 42 - Buried in corruption (perishable body, flesh); Raised in incorruption (imperishable, perpetuity).

      b.  v. 43 - Buried in dishonor (ignominy, disgrace); Raised in glory (dignity, splendor).

      c.  v. 43 - Buried in weakness (w/o strength, infirmity); Raised in power (strength, might).

      d.  v. 44 - Buried a natural body (fleshly, physical; adapted to the senses); Raised a spiritual body (spirit, adapted to spiritual environment).

    3.  Bodily resurrection:

      a.  Is a certainty - 15:44, 49.

      b.  From (its source is) Christ - 15:45.

      c.  In God's order: 1^st natural body, then spiritual body - 15:46-47.

      d.  Is receiving a body which is suited for the spiritual realm - 15:48.

      e.  Is essential to inherit the kingdom of God! - 15:50-54

      f.  Is victory over death - 15:55-57 (26).

Conclusion

1.  At the resurrection, Christians will share in Christ's glory - Col. 3:4; Phil. 3:21; 1 Jno. 3:2.

2.  1 Cor. 15:58 - Therefore, be…
  a.  Steadfast:  Firm, settled in your faith.

  b.  Immovable:  Firmly persistent, not moved from your place.

  c.  Always abounding in the work of the Lord:  Abundant involvement.

  d.  Knowing:  Firmly persuaded as fact.

  e.  Your labor is not in vain in the Lord:  It is not empty, useless, fruitless; without purpose.

3.  Are you ready for death & the resurrection?  (Heb. 9:27)