Today’s selected reading continues in the first New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints. More specifically today’s passage is found in the sixteenth chapter of this New Testament book. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do mass through Macedonia. And it may b e that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also drop. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the breathers. As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things new done with charity” (1 Corinthians 16:1-14).
“I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helped with us, and laboured. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaiacus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you. Much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss” (1 Corinthians 16:15-20).
“The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen” (1 Corinthians 16:21-23).
“The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timotheus” (1 Corinthians 16:23).
When you come to the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints you will encounter one of the most fundamental truths contained within the gospel the apostle Paul preached. If you take the time to read the New Testament book of Acts which presents you with historical information regarding the apostle Paul’s missionary journeys throughout Europe and Asia you will find that when he preached to the Jews in the synagogues as well as when he preached to the Gentiles in the streets, or in the synagogues the apostle Paul preached the death, the burial and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is impossible to read the historical narrative concerning the apostle Paul and not come face to face with the incredibly powerful truth that at the very heart of his gospel was the reality that Jesus was indeed the Jewish Messiah and was both Christ and Lord. In addition to this the apostle Paul would also preach the death, the burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. What we must needs acknowledge and recognize is that at the very heart of the death, the burial and the resurrection of Jesus is the understanding that He was truly the Son of the living God. Just like the Roman centurion at the place of the skull where Jesus was crucified together with those who were with him acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of God so also must we acknowledge and recognize that for His death, His burial and His resurrection to have the significance mentioned in Scripture He must needs be the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. The death, the burial and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ has absolutely no meaning or significance—at least not to the degree, scale and measure which has been preached for generations—without and apart from the fact that He was indeed the Word made flesh which dwelt among us and was indeed the Son of the living God.
I sit here today thinking about and considering this tremendous reality and I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth that before you can even speak of the death, the burial and the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth you must need acknowledge that He is indeed and was in fact the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. This is what is so unique and powerful about the baptism of Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River by John the Baptist for it would be upon His coming forth from the waters the heavens would be opened, the Spirit would descend upon Him in the form of a dove and the voice of the Father would speak forth from heaven and emphatically declare that this was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for at the very heart and center of the death, the burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus is the understanding that He was indeed the Son of the living God. This reality of Jesus being the Son of the living God is manifested and expressed in the accounts of His being baptized at the Jordan River as well in the exchange He had with Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and ruler among the Jews. It would be at the Jordan River where the voice of the Father would speak forth from the heavens and emphatically declare and proclaim Jesus as being His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. When speaking unto Nicodemus Jesus would indeed refer to Himself as the Son of the living God which not only came down from the Father but also proceeded forth from the Father. WE dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful reality of Jesus of Nazareth being more than Joseph’s son but truly being the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the narratives and accounts of Jesus being baptized in the waters of the Jordan River by John the Baptist as well as the words which Jesus Himself declared unto Nicodemus by night when this ruler of the Jews came unto Him privately:
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbid him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17).
“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:9-11).
“Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased” (Luke 3:21-22).
We must not neglect the words which are found within these three passages of Scripture for while each of them describe Jesus’ being baptized of John in the waters of the Jordan River they present us with something else. Within each of these passages we encounter the manifestation of the triune Godhead in the earth there at the Jordan River. You cannot read these passages of Scripture and not come face to face with the manifestation of the triune Godhead in the baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ. There at the Jordan River we witness and behold the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father being baptized in those waters and emerging from them after John the Baptist had submerged and brought Him forth from the midst of them. With this being said we find the presence and manifestation of the Holy Spirit as the Scripture declares that the Spirit descended and lighted upon the Son in the bodily form of a dove. What’s more is within these passages of Scripture we find the manifestation of the Father for it was the voice of the Father that would emphatically declare and proclaim concerning Jesus that He was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. How absolutely wonderful and incredible it truly is to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and see in the baptism of the Lord Jesus the manifestation of the triune Godhead there at the Jordan River. Scripture does not reveal who all heard the voice of the Father speaking from heaven and declaring Jesus as being the beloved Son in whom the Father was well pleased, however, I would dare say there were at least two who heard that voice—Jesus of Nazareth and John the Baptist. Moreover Scripture doesn’t reveal who all saw the Spirit descending and lighting upon Jesus there in the waters of the Jordan, however, I would dare say that at least one person did—John the Baptist. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John concerning that which John the Baptist experienced at the Jordan River:
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:29-34).
Please pay close attention to the words which are found within this passage of Scripture for here we find John the Baptist making a bold and powerful claim concerning Jesus of Nazareth. Here on this particular occasion John the Baptist would see Jesus coming unto him and would invite all those who were present before and around him to “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” This is something worth recognizing and understanding for prior to that point in time John the Baptist would preach righteousness unto the people, unto the publicans, unto the soldiers and all those who would come unto him to listen to him preach and be baptized by him. What’s more is that when John the Baptist preached righteousness he would also baptize men and women in water unto repentance for the remission of sins. John the Baptist would indeed preach righteousness and would baptize men and women who would come repenting of their sins and being baptized as a manifestation of that repentance. What we now find within this passage is John the Baptist emphatically declaring unto those who heard and listened to him preach that Jesus was indeed the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. In other words it was more than simply being baptized in water unto repentance for the remission of sin but there was one walking among them who was sent and who came into the world to take away the sin of the world. This is something we dare not and must not miss for this declaration would be made AFTER John had baptized Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River—that which is evidenced by his seeing the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and abiding upon Him. I am convinced that John the Baptist did not truly understand and recognize who Jesus was and who the Messiah and Son of the most High God was until that moment at the Jordan River when he saw the heavens opened before and unto Christ, saw the Spirit descend from heaven in the bodily form of a dove and lighting upon Jesus and hearing the voice from heaven proclaim that this was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased.
There is a great need for us to recognize and pay attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the understanding that Jesus was—and not only was but also is the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. At the Jordan River—after Jesus was baptized in the waters by John the Baptist—the eternal Father would emphatically proclaim and declare that Jesus was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. Shortly thereafter we find John the Baptist not only declaring and proclaiming Jesus being the Lamb of God but proclaiming Jesus as being the Son of God. John the Baptist would emphatically declare that the one who sent him to baptize said unto him that upon whom he would see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him—that same one would be He which baptized with the Holy Ghost. This would be fulfilled and come to pass at the Jordan River as John the Baptist would not only see the heavens opened before and unto Jesus of Nazareth but would indeed see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him. It would be this particular event that would take place which would confirm within the heart and soul of John the Baptist that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God—and not only the Son of the living God but also the Lamb of God which took away the sin of the world. John came baptizing in water unto repentance for the remission of sins, however, after the encounter at the Jordan River John the Baptist would speak of Jesus of Nazareth as being the Lamb of God which took away the sin of the world. Thus John the Baptist was now preaching that the sin of the world would and could be taken away by and through the Lamb of God who was indeed the Son of God.
With all of this being said I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the third chapter of this same New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. It is in the third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find Jesus speaking to Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and chief ruler among the Jews. Nicodemus would come unto Jesus privately by night inquiring of Him concerning the works which He wrought among them during those days. In the presence of Jesus Nicodemus would acknowledge that Jesus came from God for no man could work the works and miracles he worked unless He was sent from and by the living and eternal God. This is something we dare not miss and lose sight of for it would be when speaking unto this chief pharisee and ruler of the Jews Jesus would make powerful claims concerning Himself. There in the presence of Nicodemus by night Jesus would speak of Himself as being the Son of the living God—and not only speak of Himself as being the Son of the living God but also the mission and assignment for which He was sent into the earth. We must needs pay close attention to the words presented in this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth that Jesus is indeed the Son of the living God who came into the world sent by the Father for a very specific purpose and assignment among and unto men. The words which we find here in the third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John are incredibly unique and powerful for they reveal the absolutely wonderful and beautiful truth surrounding the person of the Lord Jesus who was and is indeed the Son of the living God who came into the world “for such a time as this” that He might accomplish and fulfill that which the Father had sent Him. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in this particular chapter and the words Jesus spoke unto Nicodemus by night in private:
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not. Perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begottten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:10-21).
Please pay close attention to the words presented in this passage of Scripture for the words we find here call and draw our focus to the understanding that Jesus is both the Son of man as well as the Son of living and eternal God. Here in this passage of Scripture Jesus emphatically declares unto Nicodemus that no man had ascended up to heaven but He which came down from heaven—even the Son of man which is in heaven. Moreover Jesus would also declare that as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so also must the Son of man be lifted up that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. It would be immediately following this Jesus would make the words which would be quoted by preacher, teacher and follower of Jesus Christ from that time until the present. The sixteenth verse of the third chapter of the New Testament gospel written by John are some of the most widely and largely quoted words in all of Scripture and there are very few Christians and followers of Jesus who don’t know and aren’t familiar with them. Many teachers and preachers alike who are attempting to call men and women unto a decision for salvation will use these words to emphatically declare and proclaim the divine mission and assignment of the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. The words which we find here bring us face to face with the absolutely wonderful reality of Jesus as being the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God who was given by the Father which was in heaven that whosoever would believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. It is this concept of everlasting life that is at the very heart and center of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus for it would be because of those three realities everlasting life is indeed made available unto us. At the very heart of the words Jesus would proclaim unto Nicodemus in private on this particular evening would be the invitation for everlasting life—and not only the invitation for everlasting life but also the promise for all who believe in Him.
I write these words today and I can’t help but be confronted with the absolutely incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and how at the very heart and center of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is the understanding and acknowledgement that He was and is indeed the Son of the living God. His death, his burial and even His resurrection from the dead means absolutely nothing and is completely and utterly worthless if He isn’t and wasn’t who He claimed Himself to be. Pause for a moment and think about that and how truly remarkable it is for regardless of what you believe about the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ such realities are entirely and altogether meaningless and worthless if you cannot acknowledge and accept that Jesus was truly the Son of the living God. John the Baptist emphatically declared and proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of the living God. Simon Peter declared and proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of the living God on two different occasions—once in Caesarea Philippi and another time in Capernaum of Galilee. The Roman soldier and those who were with him at the place of the skull and witnessed the events surrounding the death of Jesus declared that He was truly the Son of the living God. Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus would also declare that Jesus was the Son of the living God while Nathanael would exclaim that Jesus was the Son of the living God. Even the unclean spirits and demons which were present during those days would acknowledge Jesus as the Son of the living God—a reality that is expressed within the epistle written by James. James would speak of those who believed that there was one God and how even the devils believe the same and tremble. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it brings us face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the understanding that Jesus was indeed and truly is in fact the Son of the living God. At the very heart of the gospel which was preached by the apostles as well as the gospel we preach during these days is the understanding that Jesus is indeed the Son of the living God.
Before I return to the words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints concerning resurrection and transformation I find it absolutely necessary to call your attention to the words which are found and written in the first epistle written by the apostle John unto the saints which were at Ephesus. Within this epistle we find the apostle John contending with the spirit of antichrist in the earth—and not only with the spirit of antichrist in the earth but also those antichrist who went out from among them and were present within the earth. One of the fundamental truths and realities contained within this particular epistle is John’s contention with the spirit of antichrist concerning the idenity of Jesus as the Son of the living God. What’s more is within this epistle we find the apostle John arguing and contending that Jesus not only came in the flesh but was indeed the Son of the living God. Within and throughout the first epistle written by the apostle John unto the saints which were at Ephesus we find him arguing and contending that those who deny that Jesus came in the flesh, those who denied that Jesus was the Son of the living God and those who deny the death, burial and resurrection of the Son are not only antichrists but are also moving and operating under the spirit and influence of the antichrist. The words presented in the first epistle written by the apostle John unto the Ephesian saints must needs be carefully considered for they not only bring us face to face with the importance of acknowledging that Jesus was and is indeed the Son of the living God but also that He came in the flesh, became sin who knew no sin and died upon the cross in the place of the skull and was buried before being raised from death to life on the third day. Consider if you will the following words which the apostle Paul wrote in the fifth chapter of the epistle written unto the saints which were at Rome as well as the words which the apostle John wrote in the first epistle written unto the Ephesian saints:
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into his grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:1-11).
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:12-21).
Consider now the following words which were written by the apostle John in the first epistle written unto the Ephesian saints concerning Jesus as having come in the flesh, being the only begotten Son of the living God and dying upon the cross in the place of the skull before being buried and raised from death to life on the third day:
“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (But) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye shall also continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life” (1 John 2:22-25).
“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:23-24).
“Beloved, believe not ever spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby ye know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them” (1 John 4:1-5).
“And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us” (1 John 4:14-16).
“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, ands keep his commandments” (1 John 5:1-2).
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:3-5).
“This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he that believeth not the record that God gave his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:6-12).
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).
“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” (1 John 5:18-21).
Having considered these words which were written by the apostle John in this first epistle written unto the Ephesian saints it is time to return to the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints. In the first eleven verses of this particular chapter we find the apostle Paul emphatically writing unto these saints concerning the gospel which he preached unto them—the gospel which they received and wherein they stood and by which they were saved if the keep in memory what was preached unto them. The apostle Paul writes and speaks unto the Corinthian saints concerning this gospel which was delivered unto them which he received—namely 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. Within the opening verses of the fifteenth chapter of this epistle we find the apostle Paul describing how Jesus was not only crucified according to the scriptures that they might be fulfilled but also that He was buried and raised from death to life on the third day according to the scriptures. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and how it was not only the foundation of the gospel which the apostle Paul preached but also how it is the foundation of our faith. The faith we profess ourselves to have must needs have at the very heart and center of it the understanding that Jesus died on the cross in the place of the skull according to scripture and that he was buried and raised from death to life on the third day according to scripture. Everything Jesus said and did was according to Scripture that the words of the Law and the prophets might be fulfilled. That which we find and read concerning the Lord Jesus within the gospels was that the Law, the prophets and that which was found in the psalms might be fulfilled and come to pass.
As you read the words which are found in the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul you will find at the very heart of the death, the burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus is the understanding that He was and is indeed the Son of God. I have written it before and I will make mention of it again—the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus is entirely and altogether meaningless without and apart from Jesus being the Son of God and coming in the flesh. Those who believe in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus must of necessity be those who also believe that he came in the flesh as the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. Christ’s death, burial and resurrection only has value and worth for us if He was who He proclaimed Himself to be—even if the Jews themselves denied that he was the Son of the living God and denied that He was the Messiah. The New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is replete with example after example of the Jews rejecting and denying Jesus’ claim of being the Son of the living God and His claim that He was the Messiah and the Christ. What’s more is they would even set about to stone Him and ultimately put Him to death for such claims. The Jews together with their religious leaders would persecute Jesus because of His claim(s) to be the Son of God and would even set out to put Him to death that they might be relieved of His presence among them.
When you come to the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Corinth you will find at the very heart of what he was writing unto them the death, the burial and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead on the third day. This reality of Jesus being raised from death to life on the third day is the very source and foundation of our hope which we profess and hold on to. The apostle Paul deliberately and intentionally chose to begin the fifteenth chapter with the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ on the third day for by and through His resurrection there is a hope for our own resurrection in the day when He returns and comes again. If you want to truly enjoy and experience hope within your heart and soul you must needs understand and acknowledge the tremendous truth that Jesus was not only raised from death to life on the third day but also that he showed Himself alive unto many of His disciples and followers. We know from the four gospel narratives as well as from the New Testament book of Acts that Jesus showed Himself alive unto Mary in the garden at the tomb. We know that Jesus showed Himself alive unto the two men who were traveling on the road from Jerusalem unto Emmaus and making Himself known unto them in the breaking of bread. We know that Jesus showed himself alive unto ten of the disciples in an upper room without Thomas being present among them. We know that Jesus would show Himself alive the eleven in an upper room when Thomas joined and was present among them in that place. Moreover we know that Jesus showed Himself alive unto about five hundred at one time—many of whom were still alive when the apostle Paul wrote the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints. How absolutely wonderful it is that not only did Jesus show Himself alive after His resurrection but He would do so over a forty day period of time. Jesus could have very easily have been raised from death to life on the third day and immediately ascended unto the right hand of the Father, however, to do so would have provided no witnesses unto the resurrection from the dead.
I absolutely love that Jesus didn’t ascend unto the right hand of the Father after being raised from death to life on the third day for not only would He show and demonstrate Himself as being alive unto many but He would also provide for and unto Himself witnesses of the resurrection. What’s more is that according to Scripture Jesus not only provided witnesses unto His resurrection from the grave but He would also provide witnesses unto His ascension unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. Jesus would show Himself alive unto Mary, Jesus would show Himself alive unto the eleven apostles, Jesus would show Himself alive unto the two men on the road to Emmaus and Jesus would show Himself alive unto upwards of five hundred at one time. Moreover Jesus would go on to lead his disciples and followers unto the mount of Olives where He would ascend before them in their presence as He was taken up into heaven and received by the Father. This is something we have a great need of recognizing and paying close attention to for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the witness of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Additionally it is absolutely imperative we recognize both the resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus for within the resurrection and ascension we find hope within our own heart and soul. It is because Jesus was raised from death to life that we can experience resurrection—not only in a spiritual sense but also in a very real sense should we die in Christ before He returns and comes again. It is because Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father in heaven that we not only see and behold the mystery of His return and coming again but also have hope of ascending together with Him that where He is we might also be. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the Synoptic gospels as well as the words which are found in the New Testament gospel written by John and the first chapter of the New Testament book of Acts:
“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:16-20).
“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on fate sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (Mark 16:14-20).
“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, have ye hear any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send you the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen” (Luke 24:36-53).
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know” (John 14:1-4).
“The former treatise have I made O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both 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 of 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 sigh. 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. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath’s day’s journey” (Acts 1:1-11).
Each of these passages of Scripture call and draws our attention to the tremendous reality that not only was Jesus raised from death to life on the third day according to Scripture but Jesus also showed Himself alive unto many over the next forty days before ascending unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. Jesus did not immediately ascend unto the right hand of the Father after being raised from death to life for He would not only deliver final instructions and teaching unto His disciples but He would also provide witnesses unto and for His resurrection. When Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father He would do so from the mount call Olivet which was a sabbath day’s journey from Jerusalem. Jesus would ascend unto the right hand of the Father in the presence of His disciples and those who walked with and followed Him after showing Himself alive with many infallible proofs. It’s worth noting that after Jesus was raised from death to life He would not perform any miracles with the possible notable exception of once more instructing the disciples to cast their nets on the other side of the ship that they might bring forth a supernatural and miraculous catch. During the forty days after Jesus was raised from death to life He would indeed show Himself alive through the breaking of bread, through eating earthly food, through showing His hands and His feet, through allowing Thomas to thrust his hand into His side and other proofs. Jesus would spend the next forty days providing proof and witness of His resurrection as well as offering final instructions and Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It would not be the disciples who would leave the earth at that time but Jesus and before He left this earth and returned unto the Father He would deliver unto them final instructions which they were to faithfully adhere to and obey.
If you read the words which are found in the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Corinth you will find him beginning with the resurrection of the Lord Jesus according to Scripture. The sole purpose of the describing the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ was indeed to call and draw their attention to the understanding that because Christ was raised from death to life on the third day there was hope for resurrection within their own lives. What we must needs understand is that during those days after Christ was Himself raised from death to life there were not only witnesses unto His resurrection but there were living witnesses of resurrection themselves. Consider if you will Jairus’ daughter whom Jesus raised up from her bed of affliction who would have undoubtedly been present during those days being only twelve years old when Jesus raised her up. Consider the son of the widow of Nain who was dead and being escorted out of the village and how Jesus would lay His hand upon the coffin and command the lad to rise up to life. Consider also what was perhaps the greatest narrative of resurrection other than that of Jesus Himself for Jesus would show up at the tomb of Lazarus four days after he had died and had been buried in the grave. Jesus would show up at the site of his tomb and grave and would call forth Lazarus out of the grave bringing him back from death to life. What’s more is the apostle Matthew writes how the graves of many righteous saints were opened at the death of Jesus and how when He Himself was raised from death to life on the third day those saints whose graves were opened would rise together with Him. Pause for a moment and consider that when Christ was buried in the earth he would be buried with open graves present in the midst of the earth. Those graves would be opened for until the first day of the week and would experience a tremendous exodus when. Jesus was raised from death to life.
I can’t help but think about and wonder how many graves of the righteous saints were opened at the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Matthew only writes and records that the graves of many righteous were opened at the death of Jesus and how it would be when and after Jesus was Himself raised from death to life that they would emerge from their graves and would enter into the city of Jerusalem. In addition to wondering how many righteous saints were raised from death to life together with Jesus upon His resurrection from the dead I can’t help but wonder who those righteous saints were that would partake of that resurrection. When speaking unto Martha Jesus would ask her if she believed that her brother would live again—to which she responded by declaring that she believed he would rise again at the resurrection. Undoubtedly many Jews believed in a coming resurrection when the righteous would indeed be raised from death to life—something which Martha herself believed and would declare unto Jesus. It would be Jesus who before His own resurrection from death to life would declare that He was the resurrection and the life and anyone who believed in Him—though they were dead yet would they live. How absolutely wonderful it is to read the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew for not only was Christ raised from death to life on the third day and first day of the week but there were others who would partake in that resurrection. During those forty days after Jesus was raised from death to life there would be a wonderful and powerful witness of resurrection itself as there would indeed be a fellowship of resurrected ones. Imagine Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter and the widow’s son from Nain declaring and speaking of their own resurrection from the grave. Imagine all those whose graves were opened at the death of Jesus coming out of their graves at the resurrection of Jesus and speaking of their own resurrection. What a wonderful and powerful reality would indeed be present in the midst of Jerusalem during those days—and not only within Jerusalem but also within Galilee and Judaea—as there would be a company of resurrected ones.
As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the absolutely wonderful truth concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus—and not only the resurrection of the Lord Jesus but also His ascension. It is because Jesus was raised from death to life that we can experience a spiritual resurrection as we who were once dead to and dead in our sins have become alive in Christ. Oh there is indeed a personal and spiritual resurrection that takes place within our hearts and lives when we believe on the Lord Jesus, when we call upon the name of the Lord and when we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with our hearts that God raised him from the dead on the third day. With this being said, however, we must needs recognize and understand that in addition to there being a spiritual resurrection that takes place when we make such a decision there is the hope of a future resurrection that can and will take place in the last day when Jesus returns and comes again. It is because Jesus rose again from death to life on the third day that we ourselves are able to experience resurrection in the last day when Christ raises us up according to His Spirit by His own power. The apostle Paul would write that the hope of our own resurrection is rooted in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the words we find in the gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew clearly demonstrates this particular reality. Jesus the Christ was and is indeed the firstfruits of resurrection and that reality was evidenced and manifested in the final chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew. The apostle Paul writes unto the Corinthian saints concerning this principle of firstfruits of resurrection as not only because Jesus was raised from death to life we ourselves are able to rise from the dead but because Jesus rose from the dead there were those who were raised from death to life with Him on that first day of the week. The question we must needs ask ourselves is whether we are living with and in this hope of the resurrection of the dead. Are we living as those who have both a hope of resurrection as well as a hope of ascension and transformation being those who believe on His name and those who have walked with and follow Him? If in this life only we have hope in Christ then we are of all me most miserable. It is therefore based upon this we must be those who live our lives with the anticipation and expectation of the resurrection of the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God knowing that we ourselves will be raised up together with Him in that day when He comes back and returns.
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