Resurrection
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The Christian Observer - 9400 Fairview Avenue - Manassas, VA 20110  (703) 335-2844
Dr. Edwin Elliott, Managing Editor
Reformed Journal of Record since 1813  -- $27.00 US  per year (12 Issues)

The History of the Christian Observer

What comfort does the resurrection of the body give you?

That after this life my soul shall be immediately taken up to Christ, its Head, and that this flesh of mine, raised by the power of Christ, shall be reunited with my soul, and be conformed to the glorious body of Christ.

What comfort does the article concerning the life everlasting give you?

That, since I now feel in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, I shall possess, after this life, perfect blessedness, which no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, and thereby praise God forever.

I. At Death Believers God to Heaven

A. Jesus promised the thief on the cross that he would be with Jesus in heaven immediately after his death. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.  (Luke 23:43)

1. God remembers those who trust Him. And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.  (Psalm 50:15)

2. There is no problem too great for God to overcome. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:  (Isaiah 1:18-19)

B. Paul preached the advantage of going to be with Jesus.  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  (Philippians 1:21)

1. We cannot take confidence in things of the world and at the same time in the sacrifice of Christ. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.  (Galatians 6:14)

2. We will share in the second coming.  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  (Colossians 3:4)

3. The world=s attractions fade before the prospect of the life to come.  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:  (Philippians 1:23)

II. Believers Will Be Resurrected

A. Resurrection of the body and its reunion with the soul is a central Christian doctrine. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  (1 Corinthians 15:20)  So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.  (1 Corinthians 15:42-46)  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.  (1 Corinthians 15:54)

B. Resurrection is one of the oldest doctrines of the faith.  For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.  (Job 19:25-27)

C. Precisely what resurrection will encompass remains to be seen.  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  (1 John 3:2)

D. The Lord Jesus will do what is necessary to make everything right for His people.  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.  (Philippians 3:21)

III. The Resurrection Will Start a Wonderful Age for Believers

A. The joy starts even in the present.  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  (Romans 14:17)

B. Though we begin to enjoy the good life in the present, its full measure is far beyond anything we could begin to imagine.  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  (1 Corinthians 2:9)

C. The resurrected life will be like the best we have known to this point but far more.  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.  (John 17:3)

1. The good times are as certain as anything in our faith. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.  (Psalm 9:10)

2. Put your confidence in the integrity of Christ.  Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.  (Jeremiah 9:23-24)