Today’s selected reading continues in and concludes the first New Testament epistle which the apostle Paul wrote unto the saints which were at Corinth. More specifically, today’s passage is found in chapters fourteen through sixteen of this New Testament book. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed” (1 Corinthians 15:1-11).

            HOW THAT CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES; AND THAT HE WAS BURIED, AND THAT HE ROSE AGAIN THE THIRD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES! As I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture I cannot help but encounter and come face to face with the absolutely tremendous truth and reality that the gospel which the apostle Paul preached was not only that Jesus Christ was crucified, but that after He had been crucified His body was buried in a borrowed tomb. His body will lie there in that borrowed tomb until the third day when by and through the person and presence of the Holy Spirit He would be raised from death to life, and would emerge from the grave having conquered death, hell and the grave. I continue to find it absolutely astonishing how for three hours while Christ hung upon the cross darkness covered the earth. If and as you read the Scripture you will find that from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there would be a darkness that would be upon the earth—a darkness which I am convinced is more than simply a physical and natural darkness. The more I read the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narratives the more I am absolutely convinced that it would be during those three hours from the sixth hour until the ninth hour the darkness which covered the earth was a spiritual darkness that was produced as all of hell descended upon Calvary and upon Golgotha. The more I think about and the more I consider the words which are found in the gospel narratives the more I am brought face to face with the fact that the darkness which Scripture presents and reveals unto us was a darkness that was produced with every foul spirit and every demonic force from hell itself would not only descend upon the cross of Calvary where Jesus would hang crucified by man, but would also mock, taunt, jeer and rail against Him. I am absolutely and completely convinced that we must needs pay close and careful attention to what is found within gospel narratives concerning the gospel narratives, for what we find in the gospel narratives brings us face to face with the awesome and powerful truth that it would be during those three hours all of hell itself would descend upon Calvary and would rail, ridicule, mock and scorn Jesus as He hung there naked and bleeding upon the cross.

            If you read the gospel narratives you will encounter and come face to face with the fact that it was while on the cross during those three hours that Jesus would cry out unto the Father and would ask Him why He had forsaken Him. There would be those who would think that Jesus cried out these words because it was at that moment when the full weight of sin would be placed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and it was at that moment where the Father would turn away from His Son because He could not look upon sin. The more intently I read the words which are found in the gospel narratives the more I am brought face to face with the absolutely tremendous truth that the reason why Jesus cried out while on the cross asking the Father why He had forsaken Him is because it would be during those three hours when Christ would not only be surrounded by those in the natural and physical realm who would mock, ridicule, scorn and rail against Him, but He would also find Himself being surrounded by every demonic force and every foul spirit from hell itself. In fact, I can’t help but wonder if in that moment all of hell itself was emptied against and upon the cross and upon Golgotha against Jesus the Christ. Is it possible that the reason Jesus cried out unto the Father during those final three hours asking why He had forsaken Him He was crying out because it was in those moments when all of hell itself surrounded Him. We know from reading the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the epistle written unto the saints which were at Colossae that it was while Jesus was upon the cross that He made a public spectacle of the principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness as He publicly triumphed over them. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this truth, for it brings us face to face with the fact that during those three hours all of hell descended upon the cross and that the ultimate trap and snare was set as while Satan and while all hell itself thought they were destroying and putting to death the Lord Jesus the Christ they were actually bringing about the fulfillment of prophecy, as well as the plan of God for mankind. I am absolutely and completely convinced that during those three hours there was the single greatest trap that was set for all of hell itself, as while hell itself gathered against and descended upon the Lord Jesus Christ to ridicule, mock and scorn Him, they were actually lured there by the divine will of the Father that they might be triumphed over by and through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

            The more I think about and the more I consider the words which are found in the four gospel narratives the more I can’t help but think about the fact that there was indeed a work that was done while Jesus the Christ was upon the cross, and the reality of that work needing to be completed would be aptly demonstrated and proclaimed by the Lord Himself when He declared “It is finished” just before giving up the ghost. With that being said, I am convinced that while there was a work that was performed in the supernatural and spiritual realm as Jesus hung there upon the cross, there was also a work that was done in the unseen realm as Jesus’ physical body lie there in the tomb until the third day. I am absolutely and completely convinced that it was while Jesus’ physical body lie there bound and buried within the tomb that the Spirit of Christ would descend into the very depths of Sheol and into the very depths of hell itself that it might be during that time period He might conquer and overcome death, hell and the grave. I firmly believe that it was during those three hours when the earth was covered in, covered by and covered with darkness that a work of triumphing over principalities, spiritual wickedness, rulers of darkness, and all of hell itself was performed and completed by the Lord Jesus the Christ. While it be there upon the cross that Jesus would triumph over principalities, spiritual wickedness, rulers of darkness, and every foul spirit, I am convinced that it would be while the physical body of the Lord Jesus the Christ lie in the tomb until the third day that He would accomplish another work—a work that was hidden and concealed from the eyes of men in the natural and physical realm. I believe that while the physical body of Jesus lie buried in the tomb completely and utterly lifeless in death, the Spirit of Christ would descend into the very depths of hell itself where He would accomplish a might deeper and a much greater work—namely, laying hold of the keys of death, hell and the grave as He would triumph over them. Perhaps the single greatest miracle of the resurrection of Jesus the Christ is that not only did the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ rise from death to life, but when He rose He also rose with the keys to death, hell and the grave. Oh how absolutely incredible it is to think about and consider the tremendous reality that when Jesus rose from the dead He accomplished so much more than simply being raised from death to life, but actually leading a tremendous resurrection that would take place during those days.

            When you want to consider the words which are found in the fifteenth chapter of the New Testament epistle of First Corinthians it is necessary and imperative that you not only consider the words which are found in the gospel narrative written by Matthew concerning the graves of countless righteous men being opened at the death of the Lord Jesus the Christ, but also the words which are found in the four gospel narratives concerning the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. It is absolutely necessary that we pay close attention to the narratives concerning the death of the Lord Jesus the Christ, for when you read concerning His death upon the cross you will find that when He gave up the ghost there was a great earthquake that would take place—an earthquake that would not only tear and rend the veil within the Temple, but would also unlock and open the graves of countless righteous whose bodies had lie within their tombs. Scripture is absolutely unclear how long the bodies of these righteous dead lie buried in their tombs and graves, but we are absolutely certain that upon the death of the Lord Jesus the Christ the tombs and graves of countless righteous men and women were opened and unlocked. It would be at the death of the Lord Jesus Christ there would be an initial earthquake that would cause the tombs and graves of the righteous dead to be opened, however, they wouldn’t actually be removed from their graves and emerge from death to life until Jesus Himself would rise from the grave. We know from the Scripture that it would be upon the death of the Lord Jesus the Christ that the tombs would be opened, however, we also know that when Jesus emerged from the grave on the third day those righteous who were present in the midst of the graves would emerge and would actually walk upon the earth. It is actually quite interesting to think about the fact that linked to the death of the Lord Jesus Christ was the opening and unlocking of the graves and tombs, while it would be the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ that would actually lead to the resurrection of those who were righteous and had gone on in days and years past. It is truly something worth thinking about and considering when you discover that it would the death of the Lord that would actually unlock and open the graves, however, it would be in and through His resurrection that the graves would actually be opened. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew concerning the death of the Lord Jesus, as well as the words which are found in the four gospel narratives concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ:

            “And, behold, the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from top to bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him: among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children” (Matthew 27:50-56).

            “In the end of the sabath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which 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, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail.. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: Go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me” (Matthew 28:1-10).

            “And when the sabbath was past, Mary MGadalen, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And ver yearly in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that he goteth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as He said unto you. And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid” (Mark 16:1-8).

            “Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perpleced thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass” (Luke 24:1-12).

            “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unot them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciples, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciples did outrun Peter, and came firs to the sepulchre. And he stoopoing down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciples, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home” (John 20:1-10).

            The more I think about and the more I consider the narrative of Jesus’ death and resurrection the more I can’t help but be absolutely gripped and captivated with and by the fact that when Jesus declared “It was finished” and gave up the ghost—not only was there a great earthquake, and not only did the rocks rent, and not only was the veil in the Temple torn in two from top to bottom, but so also were the graves of countless men and women opened. There would be a great shaking that would take place at the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it would be that shaking that would cause the graves of countless righteous who were essentially “dead in Christ” to experience their graves being opened. The apostle Matthew is the only gospel author to write and record this particular event—and not only did he write that when the Lord Jesus Christ died the graves of the righteous dead were opened and unlocked, but he would also write how it would be at the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ when those whose graves would be opened would emerge from the grave and would go into the holy city and proclaim the good news. Pause for a moment and think about the fact that there would be a shaking that would be linked to the death of the Lord Jesus the Christ, and there would be a shaking that would be linked to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ. The shaking that would be linked to the death of the Lord Jesus the Christ would indeed cause the graves of the righteous to be opened, however, it would be the second shaking directly linked to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ would lead to the emergence of those righteous dead from the graves and their subsequent journey into the holy city of Jerusalem where they would proclaim the good news. Oh how absolutely incredible it is to think about the fact that there would indeed be a fellowship of resurrected ones that would be present and manifested in the earth after the Lord Jesus the Christ rose from the grave, for not only would Jesus Himself rise from the grave and walk upon the earth, and not only would Lazarus also be present upon the earth after being raised from death to life, but there would also be those righteous dead who would rise up and emerge from the grave at Jesus’ resurrection and would enter into the city. Oh how absolutely incredible it is to think about the fact that when Jesus was raised from death to life He wasn’t the only one who emerged from the grave, but there were those righteous who were dead and buried who also emerged from the grave.

            I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found written within the gospel narratives and I can’t help but think about the fact that directly linked to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is not only the experience of resurrection that would be experienced with others, but there would also be the witness and the testimony of the resurrection that would be shared and experienced by others. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this truly awesome and powerful truth that when we speak about the resurrection of Jesus the Christ—not only must we speak of it in terms of many righteous dead emerging from the graves and being a firstfruits of the resurrection, but we must also speak of it in terms of a powerful witness of the resurrection. When Jesus Christ rose from the dead—not only was there a fellowship of resurrected ones, but there was also a witness of those who experienced the resurrected Jesus the Christ. There would be those who would emerge from the grave when Jesus emerged from His grave, and yet there would be others who would not experience resurrection as would those righteous who were dead, but who would nonetheless experience the witness and testimony of the resurrection. The more I think about and consider the narrative of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ the more I can’t help but be captivated and drawn into the awesome and incredible reality that not only would there be a fellowship of resurrected ones—a fellowship of those who would share in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ—but there would also be a testimony of resurrection witnesses. Although there would not be a single human being who would experience and witness the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ early on the third day there would be those who would experience the empty tomb, those who would experience the empty tomb and the resurrected Jesus the Christ, and those who would experience the resurrected Christ.

            THE EXPERIENCE OF THE EMPTY TOMB! THE EXPERIENCE OF THE EMPTY TOMB AND THE RESURRECTED CHRIST! THE EXPERIENCE OF THE RESURRECTED CHRIST! I can’t help but be absolutely and completely captivated with and by the words and language that is found within the four gospel narratives—and not only the words which are found in the gospel narratives, but also the words which are found in the gospels, but also the words which are found in the New Testament book of Acts, as well as the words which are found in the first epistle written unto the saints which were at Corinth. The more you read and the more you consider the words that are found within these passages of Scripture the more you will encounter the tremendous reality that there were those who would experience the empty tomb—namely, the women who would go to the tomb early in the morning, as well as the apostles Peter and John. It would be women and two of the apostles who would all come to the empty tomb and would not only find the stone rolled away, but would also find the tomb empty. What’s more, is that in addition to them finding the stone rolled away and the tomb empty, they would find the grave clothes lying there in the tomb. This is quite an interesting concept when you think about the fact that when Lazarus came forth from the grave he came forth still bound in his grave clothes, and it would be Jesus who would give the instruction to loose him from his grave clothes and let him go. When Lazarus emerged from the tomb he would indeed emerge bound head to toe with his grave clothes, however, when Jesus emerged from the tomb He would emerge with His grave clothes having been left behind in the tomb. OH how truly wonderful and powerful it is to think about and consider the fact that the stone would be rolled away, the tomb would be empty, the grave clothes would be left behind, and Jesus would emerge from the tomb having left the grave and its clothes behind. LEAVING THE GRAVE AND ITS CLOTHES BEHIND! How absolutely incredible it is to think about and consider the fact that when Jesus would indeed emerge from the tomb and would indeed emerge from the grave He would emerge having left His grave clothes behind within the grave. Jesus would not emerge from the grave still bound in His grave clothes, but would emerge having been completely set free from both the grave and the clothes that would be associated with it.

            It’s worth noting that after Jesus emerged from the tomb and after He departed from the grave there would be those who would experience the empty tomb. There would be women, as well as two of the apostles of Christ who would experience the empty tomb as they would all come unto the tomb and would enter in. What makes this truly unique when you think about and consider it is when you read the words found in the gospel narratives and see how those who came unto the empty tomb would indeed enter in and look inside, and yet when they entered the tomb—not only would they see the empty tomb with the grave clothes still present within it, but the women who entered the tomb would also experience angelic manifestations as men clothed in white garments would declare unto them that they were looking for Jesus the Christ, and that He was not there in the grave, but had indeed risen as He said He would. What I so love about the stone being rolled away and the empty tomb is that I firmly believe that the stone was rolled away—not so Jesus could emerge from the tomb because the stone somehow impeded Him, but so those who would come unto the tomb would indeed see that it was empty, and so that those who came unto the tomb would indeed enter in to behold the grave clothes which would be present in the midst of it. I absolutely love how the stone was rolled away from the entrance of the tomb—not because the stone needed to be rolled away that Jesus might emerge and come forth, but so that those who came unto the tomb might be able to enter in. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this, for those who would come unto the tomb and would see the stone rolled away and removed from the entrance would indeed enter the tomb—enter into that place where the body of the Lord had been placed and remained until the third day.

            What I find truly captivating concerning the narrative of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ is that not only would His resurrection produce and usher in the resurrection of other righteous men and women who were dead in their graves, but there would indeed be a wonderful and powerful testimony concerning His resurrection as Jesus would not only rise from the grave, but would show Himself alive. How absolutely tremendous it is to think about and consider the fact that after Jesus Christ rose from the grave, He would not only show Himself alive unto upwards of five hundred at one time, but He would also show Himself alive over a period of forty days. That which we find in the opening chapter of the New Testament book of Acts, and that which we find in the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints brings us face to face with the fact that after Jesus the Christ rose from the grave He didn’t immediately ascend unto the right hand of the Father. It would have been one thing had Jesus the Christ been raised from the dead and immediately ascended into heaven unto the right hand of the Father, however, He would remain within and upon the earth for another forty days prior to His ascension. Oh I continue to find it absolutely and completely fascinating that while it is true there were not actual witnesses to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ when the stone was rolled away, and when He emerged from the tomb, there would be those who would be witnesses unto His ascension unto the right hand of the Father. Although there would be none who would actually witness and behold Jesus emerge from the grave after being buried within it until the third day, there would be those who would witness and behold His ascension unto the right hand of the Father. What I so love and appreciate about the narrative of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ is that it would be through His death that the graves would be unlocked, and yet it wouldn’t be until He was raised from death to life on the third day that resurrection would occur. It would be the death of Jesus the Christ upon the cross that would lead to the graves of righteous men and women being opened, however, it would be His resurrection that would actually lead to their emergence from those graves and their experiencing newness of life. What a truly awesome and powerful thought it is to think about and consider how upon the resurrection of Jesus from the dead the tombs and graves of others would lose their power and their hold on the righteous dead which were present within them.

            IT IS THROUGH CHRIST’S RESURRECTION THAT THE TOMB AND THE GRAVE HAS NO HOLD ON THE RIGHTEOUS SAINTS OF GOD! As you continue reading the narrative of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ you will find that neither the tomb, nor the grave has any authority, and power, any strength and any dominion over those who are righteous in Christ. If you read the words which are found in the writings of the apostle Paul—particularly and especially in the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints—you will find that when Jesus Christ rose from the grave, He didn’t simply rise from the grave so that He alone would and so that He alone could experience resurrection. The more you read the words which are found in the epistle which was written unto the Corinthian saints the more you will find that when Jesus rose from the grave on the third day, He didn’t rise simply and solely so He would be the only one who would experience its manifestation within His life. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ it’s that His resurrection was indeed an invitation to all those righteous saints who are in Him to experience resurrection themselves. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ would be a wonderful and powerful invitation given unto the righteous who are in Him—not only concerning a resurrection from the grave, but also concerning a second resurrection that would be experienced when the trumpet shall sound and the dead in Christ will rise first, and then those who are alive and remain will be caught up together to meet Him in the air. With this in mind I invite you to consider the words which are found in the first and opening chapter of the book of Acts, as well as the words which are found in the first epistle which was written unto the saints which were at Thessalonica:

            “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began botgh to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked Him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when He had spoken these things, WHILE THEY BEHELD, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:1-11).

            “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others, which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

            WHILE THEY BEHELD! HE WAS TAKEN UP! A CLOUD RECEIVED HIM OUT OF THEIR SIGHT! WHILE THEY LOOKED STEDFASTLY TOWARD HEAVEN AS HE WENT UP, BEHOLD, TWO MEN STOOD BY THEM IN WHITE APPAREL! WHY STAND YE GAZING UP INTO HEAVEN? WHY DO YOU LOOK FOR THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD! The questions the angels asked in response to the resurrection and the ascension were actually quite remarkable and quite astounding when you take the time to think about and consider it, for there is an intrinsic link and connection between the resurrection and the ascension of the Lord Jesus the Christ. It would be after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ two angels and men dressed in white would ask the women why they looked for the living among the dead. What’s more, is that with the question surrounding the resurrection there would also be a statement—namely, that Jesus had indeed risen from the grave just as He said He would. It’s worth thinking about and considering how at the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ two angels would appear unto the women and ask them why they looked for the living among the dead, but they would also emphatically declare unto them that Jesus had risen from the grave just as He said He would. When it comes to the ascension of the Lord Jesus the Christ there would be two men dressed in white apparel standing among them who would ask why they stood gazing and looking steadfastly into heaven trying to see the risen Jesus the Christ. Not only this, but you will find that with this question regarding their looking intently unto heaven as Jesus was take up and concealed from their sight, they were also given a wonderful and powerful promise that just as Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father in heaven, so also in like manner would He return and gather together His saints unto Himself. It is this reality which is found within the first epistle written unto the saints of Thessalonica, as well as the words which are found in the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints.

            Perhaps one of the greatest truths and realities surrounding the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He didn’t rise from the grave simply and solely so He alone could experience it Himself. I am absolutely and completely convinced that when Jesus Christ rose from the grave on the third day he rose—not as the exception to resurrection, but rather as an invitation unto the righteous in Him who would also rise from the grave. With this being said we must needs realize and recognize that this invitation was not only given, but also experienced at the same time. If and as you read the words which are found in the gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew you will find that it was at the death of the Lord Jesus that the tombs and graves would be opened and unlocked, however, it would be at and as a direct result of His resurrection that those whose graves were opened would indeed emerge from the grave. Oh we must needs pay close and careful attention to this, for when we think about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ being an invitation unto others to experience that same resurrection we must see how that invitation was indeed experienced at the same time. There were and there would be those who would rise with Christ—perhaps at the same time Christ emerged from the grave, or perhaps after Christ had already departed from the tomb. We aren’t at all sure or certain when those righteous whose graves were opened emerged from the grave after Jesus the Christ rose from the grave, however, we do know that the apostle Matthew writes and records how they would indeed emerge from their graves and would enter into the holy city as powerful witnesses concerning the kingdom of the living God. It is absolutely necessary and imperative we understand this truly awesome and powerful truth, for it is this truth which brings us face to face with the fact that Jesus’ resurrection was more than simply an emphatic statement that death and the grave would and could not hold any authority, dominion and power over Him, but also that the grave and death would and could not hold any authority, dominion and power over His saints and followers. It would be the resurrection of Jesus the Christ that would truly be the firstfruits of the resurrection of the saints who would experience that resurrection.

            In the opening verses of the fifteenth chapter of the New Testament epistle of First Corinthians we find the powerful statement concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ—and not only a powerful statement concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, but also the witness that would take place after the resurrection. When writing unto the saints which were found in the city of Corinth the apostle Paul writes how after Jesus was raised from death to life after being in the tomb for three days He would appear unto His disciples and apostles—and not only unto His disciples and apostles, but also unto upwards of five hundred at one time. There is within the opening verses of the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written unto the saints which were at Corinth a powerful statement concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ—namely, that after Jesus the Christ was raised from death to life He would emerge from the tomb and the grave and would show Himself alive unto many during those days. Although Jesus would ultimately ascend unto the right hand of the Father in heaven He would first show Himself alive and manifest Himself unto multiple individuals at a single time. Before Jesus would ascend unto the right hand of the Father He would show Himself alive over a period of forty days, and it would be over that period of forty days that Jesus would wonderfully and powerfully demonstrate the awesome power of the eternal Spirit of the living God, for it would be the eternal Spirit that would indeed raise Him from death to life. OH we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this truth, for it is this that helps us understand that Jesus’ resurrection was an invitation unto the righteous saints and righteous followers of the Lord Jesus the Christ to enter into the manifestation of that resurrection together with the Lord Jesus the Christ. Those who were raised from death to life with Christ at His resurrection would be the firstfruits of a greater resurrection that would take place when the dead who were in Christ would rise first to meet the Lord in the air, and then we which are alive and remain will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.

            CHRIST HAD TO RISE, AND BECAUSE CHRIST ROSE WE NEED TO RISE! BECAUSE HE ROSE WE MUST RISE! BECAUSE HE ASCENDED WE MUST ASCEND! The more you read the words which are found written and recorded in the fifteenth chapter of the New Testament epistle of First Corinthians the more you will be brought face to face with the absolutely incredible reality that not only did the apostle Paul describe the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and the manifestation of that resurrection, but the apostle Paul would also go on to write concerning the impact and fruit of that resurrection. In the opening verses of this New Testament epistle you will find and encounter the manifestation and revelation of resurrection, for within these verses you will find the apostle Paul describing those to whom Jesus specifically revealed Himself to after He had risen from the grave. Oh I continue to find it absolutely astonishing how Jesus didn’t rise from the grave and then immediately ascend unto the right hand of the Father. If and as you read the words which are found within the gospel narratives—as well as the New Testament book of Acts—you will find that although there were no actual witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus the Christ as it pertains to His coming forth out of the grave, there were indeed witnesses of the manifestation of the resurrection after He had gone from the grave unto Galilee. How incredible it is to think about the fact that Jesus would be buried in a borrowed tomb—perhaps outside the city of Jerusalem, or perhaps within the city of Jerusalem—and yet after He was raised from death to life He would make His way to Galilee. The entire purpose for this journey after being raised from death to life was that Jesus might show Himself unto the disciples—and not only show Himself unto them, but show Himself very much alive and having been raised from death to life. It would be in the final chapters of each of the New Testament gospels—as well as the New Testament book of Acts—that you will find Jesus appearing unto two men as they walked along the way, you will find Jesus appearing unto certain women, you will find Jesus appearing unto the disciples minus Thomas, you will find Jesus appearing unto the disciples with Thomas, and you will find Jesus appearing unto upwards of five hundred souls at a single time. It is absolutely incredible to think about and consider this, for there would indeed be a resurrection, but with that resurrection would also come a powerful witness which was given unto those to whom Jesus would show Himself alive, as well as a powerful fellowship of resurrected ones—those righteous souls who had come out of their grave upon Christ’s resurrection.

            We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this truly incredible reality, for within the opening verses of the fifteenth chapter of this first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints we find and discover the manifestation of the resurrection of Jesus the Christ as He would reveal Himself alive unto His disciples and certain of His followers. It is necessary that we understand this powerful truth, for within the opening verses of the epistle written unto the Corinthian saints we find the apostle presenting the revelation of the resurrection, as Jesus would make upwards of five hundred souls witnesses unto His resurrection—and by His resurrection I mean that He was indeed very much alive and that He rose from the grave just as He said He would. For a period of forty days Jesus not only showed Himself alive, but also spoke and taught many things unto His disciples and followers until that moment when He would ascend unto heaven and unto the right hand of the Father. We must needs recognize and understand this, for the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ would be intrinsically linked to His ascension, for in order for Jesus Christ to ascend unto the right hand of the Father who was in heaven He needed to rise from the grave on the third day. Jesus knew before His death that He would depart from this earth and would return unto the Father, however, it would be absolutely impossible for Jesus to ascend unto the Father if His physical body lie buried in the grave. Oh it is imperative we pay close attention to this, for not only did Jesus rise from the grave to fulfill that which was spoken concerning Him, and not only did Jesus rise from the grave that the righteous in Him might rise from their graves, and not only did Jesus rise from the grave that one of the greatest foundational pieces of the gospel might be established, but Jesus rose from the grave that He might ascend unto the right hand of the Father who was in heaven. The resurrection of Jesus from the grave was needed as part of the ascension of the Lord Jesus the Christ, for it would be through resurrection He would be reunited with the Father who was in heaven seated upon the throne. Oh I can’t help but wonder what it was like when Jesus returned unto heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Pause for a moment and think about what it would have been like for the Word which was made flesh and dwelt among us became the Word which was with God once more.

            WHEN THE WORD RETURNS UNTO THE PLACE FROM WHICH IT WAS SENT! It’s interesting to note how in the prophetic book of Isaiah he made the powerful and emphatic declaration that His word would not return unto Him void until it has accomplished that which He set it forth to do. This is something truly worth thinking about and considering—particularly when you think about the opening verses of the first chapter of the gospel written by the apostle John. It is in the opening verses of the first chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John He wrote how the Word was in the beginning, and how the Word was in the beginning with God, and how the Word was God. Just a few verses later the apostle John describes how that same Word which was with God, and that same Word which was God would become flesh and dwell among us. Essentially through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ—not only would the Word which was in the beginning with God, and the Word which was God dwell among us, but so also would Emmanuel God with us dwell among us. Oh this is something worth thinking about and considering for when Jesus the Christ rose from the grave He rose again that the foundation of the gospel might be established, and that He might speak and teach His disciples certain things before He would ascend unto the right hand of the Father in heaven. Ultimately Jesus would rise from the grave on the third day that He might ascend unto the right hand of the Father, and how I can’t help but wonder what it was like in heaven as the Word returned. What was it like in heaven when the Word not only returned, but returned unto that place where it was sent, and unto Him who had sent it forth? What was it like as the Father and the Son were reunited once more after the Lord Jesus the Christ had spent thirty-three and a half years as the Word made flesh and dwelling among us in the earth? What was it like when all the angels in heaven beheld Jesus who was indeed the Word which was in the beginning with God, and the Word which was in the beginning with God returned unto the place and the Person from which it was sent. How truly remarkable it is to think about and consider that when Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father in heaven it would be the Word which was made flesh returning unto that place from which it was sent that the Word might be reunited once more to the One who had sent it in the first place.

            WHEN THE WORD RETURNS UNTO THE PLACE FROM WHICH IT WAS SENT! WHEN THE SON IS REUINTED WITH HIS FATHER! There is something unique and interesting within the parable of prodigal son, for when you read the words which are found in the parable of the prodigal you will find that while the son was still a long ways off his father saw and beheld him—and upon seeing and beholding him he would run to meet his son that he might embrace him as such. This is actually quite remarkable when you take the time to think about it, for although Jesus the Christ was never the prodigal son who had left His Father’s house asking for His inheritance, He would nonetheless return unto His Father’s house. The parable which Jesus spoke described the prodigal son returning unto the father, and yet when Jesus returned unto the Father’s house, He wouldn’t return as a prodigal who was coming home, but He would return as the faithful Son in whom the Father was well pleased. We know that before the prodigal son departed from his father’s house he would ask for his portion of the inheritance that was due unto him, and he would take that inheritance and then depart from his father’s house where he would waste all that he had on riotous living. Eventually there would come a point when he would squander his inheritance and would find himself in a place of despair and a place of utter hopelessness until he came to his senses and returned unto his father’s house seeking to be a servant. When it comes to the only begotten Son of the Father we don’t find Him departing from His Father’s house seeking the Father given unto Him His inheritance, but we find the Son returning unto the Father’s house, and upon His return unto the Father’s house we find the beginning of His receiving the inheritance that would be promised unto Him. What was that inheritance which would be given unto the Son? The answer is actually found in the second chapter of the Old Testament book of Psalms, for it would be in this Old Testament book we find the Father speaking unto the Son and giving Him a very special and a very powerful invitation—namely, “Ask of me and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance.” You ask what the inheritance was the Son received? The answer is actually quite astonishing and quite simple, for the inheritance the Son received was the nations of the earth—and not only the nations of the earth, but all those who would believe in and all those who would believe on Him whom He would give power to become sons and daughters of God.

            When we think about and consider the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ we must needs recognize and understand that it was absolutely necessary for Him to rise from death to life on the third day, for if Christ did not rise then Christ also did not ascend. If Christ did not ascend unto the right hand of the Father then the person of the Holy Spirit was not sent, and if Christ did not ascend unto the right hand of the Father and return to the Father’s house then He would not go to prepare a place for us. Oh dear reader—it is absolutely imperative that we recognize how absolutely necessary it was for the Lord Jesus the Christ to rise from the dead on the third day, for if He did not rise in vain then as the apostle Paul wrote and mentioned within this epistle—not only is our preaching in vain, but so also is our faith in vain. If Jesus the Christ did not rise from the grave on the third day than the only hope that we have is in this life and in this earthly tent which we have been given. If Jesus the Christ did not rise from the grave on the third day then we of all men are most miserable because that means the only hope that we have—if you can even really call it hope—is in this life in the here and the now. Oh we must needs recognize and understand that it was absolutely critical for the Lord Jesus Christ to rise from the grave on the third day, for it was by and through His resurrection that He would ascend unto the right hand of the Father. If Jesus did not rise from the grave and from the dead on the third day then He would not ascend unto the right hand of the Father who was in heaven. Do you understand and recognize the ramifications and implications to even thinking for a moment that Jesus the Christ did not and would not rise from the grave on the third day? Oh this must be carefully considered, for when you think about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead you must needs understand that directly and intrinsically linked to the resurrection is the ascension—and not only the ascension, but also in the sending of the person of the Holy Spirit, and in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

            Would it shock and surprise you to think about and consider the tremendous truth that within the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the mystery of the return of Jesus the Christ? Would it surprise you to think about and consider that within the resurrection of the Christ is a powerful sign and symbol that would also point to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ? If Jesus the Christ had not and did not rise from the grave on the third day then He would not ultimately ascend unto the right hand of the Father. If Jesus did not ascend unto the right hand of the Father than the words which He spoke concerning going to prepare a place in order that where He was we might also be are a farce and are utterly false. What’s more, is that if Jesus did not ascend unto the right hand of the Father than the two men clothed in white who appeared unto all those who witnessed the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven would be false, for they would declare that in the same manner they saw Christ ascend unto and into heaven He would also return and come back. Oh we would be incredibly wise to recognize and pay close attention to this, for as much as Jesus the Christ rose from the grave and from the dead on the third day that He might ascend unto the right hand of the Father, He also rose from the grave on the third day that He might at the appointed time of the Father return for His body and His bride which would be upon the earth. If Jesus the Christ was the firstfruits of the resurrection as the apostle Paul wrote within this epistle, then Jesus ascending unto the right hand of the Father, and returning unto the Father’s house would be the firstfruits of an even greater reality—namely, eternal fellowship and relationship with the eternal Father. Not only this, but when you read the words which are found in the first epistle written unto the saints which were at Thessalonica you will find that when Jesus returns and when Jesus appears it will be the dead in Christ who will rise first, and then we which are alive and remain upon the earth will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.

            There is something I saw this year for the first time, and that is how not only was Christ the firstfruits of the resurrection when He was raised from death to life, but so also was He the firstfruits of the ascension and coming unto the Father’s house as He would ascend unto heaven from the earth, and would return unto His Father who was in heaven. It’s important for us to realize and recognize the ascension of the Lord Jesus the Christ, for in His ascension is not only the mystery of His return which was revealed by the angels and messengers of God, but also in His ascension is the mystery of our ascension and our being caught up together to meet Him in the air when He returns. If Jesus the Christ did not rise from the dead then those who are dead would not rise from the dead, and if the Lord Jesus the Christ did not ascend unto the right hand of the Father in heaven then the dead in Christ—and not only the dead in Christ, but also those which are alive and remain upon the earth—will not also be caught up together to meet Him in the air. Oh I firmly believe that it will be in that moment when the Lord descends with the archangel, and when the trump of God sounds within the earth and within heaven that both the dead in Christ, as well as those who are alive and remain in the earth will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. Not too long ago I began thinking about and believing that it is quite possible that there has been no saint which is dead in Christ—either during the days of the Old Testament and Old Covenant, or during the days after the life, death, burial and resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus the Christ—who has seen the Father’s house.

            Before Jesus departed from this earth He would write and speak unto His disciples that He departed and returned unto His Father in heaven that He might prepare a place for us. Jesus would indeed prepare a place for us in order that where He was we might be present there with Him. This is something that is truly unique and powerful when you think about it, for I do not believe that there has been any who have seen the Father’s house which the Lord Jesus the Christ is preparing and has been preparing for us. We know that Jesus the Christ rose from the grave on the third day, and that He would rise from the grave on the third day that He might ascend unto the right hand of the Father. We know that Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father—not only so He could return unto the Father, but also so He would and could prepare a place for us that where He is we might be there together with Him. Jesus rose from the grave on the third day that He might ultimately ascend unto the right hand of the Father, and we must needs understand and comprehend this, for in His resurrection and ascension is a powerful mystery and truth which we must needs understand. It would be in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ that those who are dead in Him might be raised from death to life and experience the power of resurrection just as Lazarus did, and just as those who rose with Christ on that third day when He rose from the grave. It would be in the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ that all those in Him—both those who are dead in Him, and those which are alive and remain—will be caught up together to meet Him in the air. Jesus rose from the dead so we could experience resurrection in a spiritual sense as we are raised to newness of life in and by the Holy Spirit. With that being said, however, we must also recognize and understand the very real and natural manifestation of resurrection—namely, that Jesus the Christ rose from death to life on the third day that those who are dead might rise from the dead just as He did. His ascension, however, would not only touch those who were dead in Christ, but also those which are alive and remain. Even the apostle Paul alludes to and speaks of this reality when he writes:

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass, the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:51-56).

            The apostle Paul makes it very clear that we shall not all sleep—thus indicating that we shall not all die and experience death. The apostle Paul emphatically declared that not everyone in Christ can and will experience death, for there will be those who will be alive and present at the time of the Lord’s return from the right hand of the Father to meet His body and bride in the air. When we think about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead we must needs understand that He rose from the dead that we might have the hope of resurrection should we die, and that those who have already died would experience resurrection at the last trump when the dead in Christ shall rise from the grave and will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. It is true that in Christ’s resurrection all those saints, disciples and followers in the Lord Jesus will experience a spiritual resurrection when they are raised to newness of life by, in and through the person of the Holy Spirit. With this being said, however, we must recognize and understand that not everyone in Christ can and will experience the resurrection from the grave and the resurrection from the dead. There are a great number of men and women who have gone on before us who have been chosen to be among those who can and will experience the resurrection from the dead when Christ returns, while there are others who have been called and chosen to experience being caught up together to meet Christ in the air with those who have died in Christ. Pause for a moment and think about how truly awesome this is, for there have been those who have been chosen by the eternal Father to die that they might experience the resurrection from the dead when the Lord Jesus returns, and yet there are others who have been chosen and appointed by the Lord to not experience death, but who will witness, behold, and experience Jesus coming in the air as He descends with a shout, and at the sound of the last trump.

            As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to emphatically declare that Jesus’ resurrection was necessary for us to experience a spiritual resurrection in Christ as we are brought to newness of life through and by the person of the Holy Spirit. With that being said, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus the Christ also unlocks and opens the realm of those who are dead in Him to rise at that moment when Jesus descends with a shout and with the voice of an archangel and catches up those who are dead in Christ first to meet Him in the air. Oh we must needs recognize and understand this, for I am absolutely convinced that both the dead in Christ, as well as those which are alive and remain will all meet the Lord in the air—and perhaps even for the first time. I am becoming more and more convinced that it is in that moment—in the twinkling of an eye—that both the dead in Christ and those which are alive and remain will not only meet the Lord in the air together for the first time, but both will actually be brought into the Father’s house together at the same time. Oh how absolutely incredible and powerful it is to think about and consider this awesome truth, for in and through Jesus’ resurrection we find the hope of physical resurrection that will take place at the sound of the last trump. There will be and there have been those which were chosen to experience and take part in the resurrection of the dead—those who have died in Christ and whose bodies are buried. There will be those who died during and under the Old Covenant who will take part in this resurrection of the dead and can and will experience the resurrection of the dead when the dead in Christ shall rise. What a truly awesome and powerful truth this is when you think about it, for it brings us face to face with the awesome and tremendous truth that there have been those who have been specifically chosen, appointed, and ordained to take part in the resurrection of the dead in that moment in the twinkling of an eye. Even with that being said, however, it is absolutely necessary and imperative that we understand how just as there were those who were chosen to take part in the resurrection of the dead in the last day, so also will there be those who have been chosen to take part in the transformation of their physical and natural bodies as they will be the ones who will behold the return of Christ in the air. There will be those who are alive and remain upon the earth during the last days who will physically see the Lord Jesus Christ return in the clouds and in the air with the sound of a trump, and with a shout, and with the voice of an archangel.

            It is truly something astonishing and captivating to think about and consider that there are those who have been chosen to take part in the resurrection of the dead—those who have tasted and experienced death, and yet those who will also experience the resurrection of the dead in that last day. With this being said there are those who have been specifically ordained, appointed and chosen to be present in the last days and in the last hour when they will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air with the dead in Christ. Pause for a moment and think about how truly beautiful and wonderful that will be when those who were chosen and appointed to take part in the resurrection of the dead will be raised first to meet the Lord in the air, and then once the dead in Christ have risen and met the Lord in the air those which are alive and remain will be caught up together to meet them in the air. Stop and consider what that moment will be like when you consider how both the dead which were in Christ who took part in the resurrection, and those who were caught up together from the earth to meet the Lord in the air will be brought together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Oh how absolutely and utterly breathtaking this is when you think about and consider it, for it draws and calls our attention to the words the apostle Paul concerning the mystery in that we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed. There are those who have slept and who have dead who will experience resurrection and transformation, while there are those who have not slept and who did not die who will experience the transformation the apostle Paul wrote and spoke about. Oh I cannot escape this reality that there were those who were specifically chosen to taste and experience death that they might experience and take part in the resurrection of the dead, while there are those in this generation who have been chosen and ordained and appointed to experience and take part in the transformation. There is not a doubt in my mind that we who are alive in the earth during these days and in this generation are those who have been specifically called and ordained to not only witness and experience the events of the Last Days like those who were chosen to experience the days of the life and ministry of Jesus the Christ, as well as the days of the early Church during the days of the Roman Empire, but we have also been called and chosen to actually witness and behold the return of the Lord Jesus the Christ.

            THE SHARED EXPERIENCE WITH THE DISCIPLES AND FOLLOWERS OF THE LORD JESUS THE CHRIST ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES! It is worth noting and pointing out that just as there were those who were present on the mount of Olives when Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father, so also will there be those who will be present upon the earth during the last days who will behold and witness the reversal of that ascension. While it is true there were those who witness and beheld the ascension of the Lord Jesus the Christ, it is also true that there will be those who will witness and behold the return of the Lord Jesus the Christ. We must needs recognize and understand this, for there is a mystery that is found in the ascension of Jesus Christ—a mystery that was revealed by the two men who were clothed in white and stood by those on the mount of Olives. The mystery that was revealed on that day is one that will be actualized and realized in the last days when there will be those upon the earth who will witness Jesus the Christ return and come back in the same manner in which He ascended on that day. Not only this, but both the dead in Christ and those which are alive and remain will meet Him in the air when He returns and comes back in the same manner in which He ascended. Pause for a moment and think about the fact that you have been chosen and appointed—if you are in Christ—to take part in not only beholding Jesus return in the clouds in the same manner in which He departed and ascended unto the right hand of the Father, but you will also experience ascension the same way He did forty days after He was crucified upon the tree. How absolutely incredible it is to be a part of this generation knowing that unless it’s the LORD’s will for you to die and go the way of all the earth you will indeed and will in fact take part in the ascension and transformation of those which are alive in Christ. When the Lord descends with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of a trumpet you who are alive and remain in the earth will indeed experience being caught up together with Him—essentially a similar reality to what Enoch and Elijah experienced who would not experience death in this life. Oh how absolutely incredible it is to think about and consider the awesome and powerful truth that we who are alive and remain in this earth during these Last Days will not only see a great movement and manifestation of the Holy Spirit, but we will also behold and witness the return of the Lord Jesus the Christ in the same manner in which He ascended unto the right hand of the Father in heaven. Please make not mistake about it, for although the dead in Christ will rise first to meet and be joined together with the Lord in the air we who are alive and remain will witness and behold Jesus coming in the clouds with all His holy angels that we might also experience this ascension, this translation, this being caught up, and this being transformed into that resurrection body spoken of by the apostle Paul.

P THE GENERATION OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE RESURRECTION & THE ASCENSION! THE GENERATION OF THE RETURN AND THE SECOND COMING! What absolutely and incredibly exciting days and times we are truly living in during these days, for we can and will be brought face to face with Jesus the Christ who can and will return in the same manner in which He departed. Not only this, but we who are alive and remain upon the earth can and will not only behold Him in the clouds, but will also experience that transformation of our physical and natural bodies into a spiritual body that is fit for the kingdom of heaven. The apostle Paul would go on to declare that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, which thus means that we will need new bodies to be able to dwell and abide in the kingdom of heaven with the Father, with the Son, with the Spirit, with all the holy angels, with the four and twenty elders, with the four living creatures, and with all the saints of God throughout the ages. The words which we find in the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints is truly astonishing and captivating when you think about and consider it, for although there have been those who were chosen to take part in and experience the resurrection of the dead when Christ returns, there will be those who will not take part in that resurrection, yet they will be completely and utterly changed and transformed as their physical bodies will be transformed and changed into that which is immortal and that which is incorruptible. OH dear brother, dear sister—pause for a moment and think about how absolutely incredible it is that although you might not take part in that resurrection of the dead when the Lord Jesus Christ returns, you will be called, chosen and ordained to take part in the ascension, the translation, and the transformation of your physical body as you ascend to meet Jesus the Christ in the air just as He ascended on that day nearly two thousand years ago. What’s more, is that those who have died in Christ, and we which are alive and remain can and will meet the Lord in the air together, and together we can and will enter into the Father’s house experiencing it as one body. Not only this, but there will also be the marriage supper of the Lamb which both the dead in Christ, and we which are live and remain can and will experience together at the same time. Oh that we would allow ourselves to be brought face to face with the awesome and powerful truth of the resurrection of the dead which there will be those who were chosen for such a manifestation will experience, but there will also be a translation and transformation that will be experienced by those which are alive and remain upon the earth. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God who raised from death to live that we might have resurrection as a hope, and Hallelujah to the Lamb of God who ascended unto the right hand of the Father that He might come back for us that we can and will experience the same ascension, translation and transformation in that moment in the twinkling of an eye.