Sermon #74                                                                                                                                                  JohnÕs Gospel

 

      Title:                                             Christ our Resurrection

 

      Text:                                 John 11:25-26

      Subject:               The Resurrection of GodÕs Elect

                                                                                    In, By and By Christ

      Date:                                Sunday Morning — February 21, 2010

      Tape:                                John #74

      Reading:             Revelation 20:1-15

      Introduction:

 

How important is the resurrection? Many seem to think it is irrelevant. But the fact is there is no aspect of gospel doctrine that is more important than the resurrection. I live in hope of the resurrection. With Paul, I say, ÒIf in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserableÓ (1 Corinthians 15:19). In making that statement Paul does not mean thatÉ

á      The believerÕs life in this world is a sad, morbid life.

á      It is really more delightful and pleasurable to live in this world without faith.

á      Were it not for the hope of eternal glory, the people of God would prefer not live as they do in obedience and submission to our heavenly Father. — We do not serve God for gain!

 

When Paul says, ÒIf in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable,Ó he simply means this: – If there were no eternal life in Christ, no eternal bliss of life with Christ in glory, and no resurrection, then the believer would be the most miserably frustrated person in the world.

á      We would never have that which we most earnestly desire.

á      We would never see the end of our hope.

á      We would never embrace Christ, or be embraced by him.

á      We would never see our Redeemer.

 

Such thoughts are unbearable. I cannot imagine anything more distressing than to be without Christ! Nothing could be more cruel and miserable than to live in hope of seeing Christ, being like Christ and spending eternity with Christ, only to die like a dog! ÒIf in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.Ó What a horrible thought! What a tormenting supposition! But, bless God, it is not so.

 

Hope of Resurrection

 

I live in hope of the resurrection; and my hope is both sure and steadfast – ÒFor 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 meÓ (Job 19:25-27).

á      In sickness I am calm, because I live in hope of the resurrection.

á      In sorrow I am peaceful, because I live in hope of the resurrection.

á      In trial and affliction I am at ease, because I live in hope of the resurrection.

á      In bereavement I am confident, because I live in hope of the resurrection.

á      And I hope to die in confidence and joy, because I live in hope of the resurrection.

 

Our assurance of the resurrection is much more than belief in a point of theological orthodoxy. It is a very personal thing, the most personal thing in the world. In fact, when I talk about the resurrection, IÕm not really talking about a doctrine, but about a person. When I think about the resurrection, IÕm thinking about a person. When I talk about the resurrection, IÕm talking about a person. – Christ Himself the Resurrection! The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our glorious Mediator is the Resurrection.

 

The blessed hope of the resurrection is not some foolÕs philosophy. It is not a mere religious tranquilizer by which I am able to cope with the trials of life. This is the calm, confident assurance of my heart. It is the necessary, inevitable result of faith in Christ (John 11:25-26).

 

ÒJesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?Ó

(John 11:25-26)

 

My subject is Christ our resurrection.

 

Proposition: The Lord Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life of all who trust him; and all who trust him shall in the last day be resurrected from the dead with him.

 

Divisions: I live in hope of the resurrection for three reasonsÉ

1.    I have been resurrected with Christ representatively.

2.    I have experienced the resurrection of Christ in regeneration.

3.    I believe GodÕs revelation concerning the resurrection.

 

Representative Resurrection

 

I live in hope of the resurrection, first, because I have been resurrected in union with Christ representatively (Ephesians 2:5-6).

á      While he lived on this earth, in obedience to God as my Representative, I lived in him.

á      When Christ died, I died in him.

á      And when he arose from the dead, taking his seat in heaven, I arose with him, and have been seated with him in glory.

 

ÒBut God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.Ó                                                                                                                        (Ephesians 2:4-6)

 

Hail! sacred union, firm and strong,

How great the grace, how sweet the song!

One in the tomb, one when He rose,

One when He triumphed oÕer His foes,

One when in heaven He took His seat,

While seraphs sang all hellÕs defeat.

 

Nothing in all the world is more wondrous, more profound and more comforting than the teaching of Holy Scripture about our union with Christ. Union with Christ is the very heart of salvation. Union with Christ is central to everything revealed in Scripture. Without this union of our souls with and the union of Christ with our souls, there is no salvation.

á      Our union with Christ is an eternal union, secret and unknown to us until it is brought to light by the gospel (Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:3-6; 2 Timothy 1:9-11).

á      Our union with Christ is a legal, representative union (Romans 5:12, 18-21).

á      Our union with Christ is a living, vital union, a union made manifest when Christ is formed in us in the new birth (Colossians 1:27).

á      Our union with Christ is an everlasting union of life and grace (John 17:22-23).

 

When the Lord Jesus Christ arose from the grave, he arose as our Representative. All that he has done and all that he has experienced, all of GodÕs elect have done and experienced in him, by virtue of our representative union with him.

á      His obedience to the law was our obedience (Romans 5:12, 18-21).

 

ÒWherefore, 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:Ó (Romans 5:12) — Go down to verse 18É

 

ÒTherefore as by the offence 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. 19 For as by one manÕs disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.Ó (Romans 5:18-21)

 

á      His death as a penal sacrifice for sin was our death (Romans 6:6-7, 9-11; 7:4). — This is our atonement!

 

ÒKnowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.Ó (Romans 6:6-11)

 

ÒWherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.Ó (Romans 7:4)

 

Our LordÕs resurrection was our resurrection. — This is our life! — Listen. This is important. — The resurrection of Christ is an indisputable fact of revelation and history upon which we rest our souls (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Disprove the resurrection and you disprove the gospel – ÒIf Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sinsÓ (1 Corinthians 15:17).

 

(1 Corinthians 15:1-8) ÒMoreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 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. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.Ó

 

Paul here mentions six distinct appearances of the Lord Jesus. In all, the Scriptures record twelve separate times that the risen Lord appeared to his own. There may have been more appearances (Acts 1:3); but these twelve are recorded.

1.    To Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18).

2.    To the women (Matthew 28:9-10).

3.    To Cleopas and his companion (Luke 24:13-35).

4.    To Simon (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5).

5.    To the disciples, Thomas being absent (John 20:19-23).

6.    To the disciples, Thomas being present (John 20:24-29).

7.    To The Seven at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14).

8.    To The Disciples on the mountain in Galilee (Matt. 28:16-20).

9.    To The Five Hundred (1 Corinthians 15:6).

10. To James, the Lord's brother (1 Corinthians 15:7).

11. To the eleven disciples on Olivet, near Jerusalem (Acts 1:4-11; Luke 24:50-51).

12. To Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-7).

 

The bodily, physical resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ necessitates the resurrection of all who are in Christ. Five arguments:

1.    That which has been done for us mystically and representatively must be experienced by us personally.

2.    We are members of ChristÕs mystical body, the church.

o      If one member of the body were lost, the body would be maimed (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27).

o      If one member of the body were lost, the Head would not be complete (Ephesians 1:22-23).

o      These bodies of ours must be fashioned like unto his glorious body (Philippians 3:21; John 17:24).

3.    The Lord Jesus was raised as the firstfruits of them that sleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). — The full harvest must follow!

4.    Christ is the Last Adam. — As we have born the image of our first covenant head, we must bear the image of the second (1 Corinthians 15:21-23, 47-49).

5.    Our Redeemer, the Captain of our Salvation has obtained the victory over all that could hinder the glorious resurrection of his people – Sin – Death – Hell – The Grave – The Devil (Colossians 2:13-15; Hebrews 2:14-15).

 

ÒForasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.Ó (Hebrews 2:14-15)

 

ÒAnd you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.Ó (Colossians 2:13-15)

 

Above all else, the covenant engagements of Christ as the Surety of GodÕs elect are not complete until the hour of our resurrection (John 6:37-40).

 

ÒAll that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the FatherÕs will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.Ó (John 6:37-40)

 

á      ÒHoly and unblameable.Ó

á      ÒLo, I and the children thou hast given me.Ó

á      ÒThere shall be one fold and one Shepherd.Ó

 

Spiritual Resurrection

 

I live in hope of the resurrection, first, I was resurrected with Christ and in Christ representatively, when he arose from the dead. Second, I live in hope of the resurrection because I have experienced the resurrection of Christ in regeneration. I know that Christ is the Resurrection and the Life, because IÕve been raised from the dead and Christ lives in me.

 

The new birth is nothing less than a resurrection from the dead. To be born again by the Spirit of God is the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6; John 5:25; 11:25-26; Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 2:9-15; 3:1-3).

 

(Revelation 20:6) ÒBlessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.Ó

 

(John 5:25) ÒVerily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.Ó

 

(John 11:25-26) ÒJesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?Ó

 

(Ephesians 2:1-10) ÒAnd you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 ¦ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Ó

 

(Colossians 2:9-11) ÒFor in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:Ó

 

(Colossians 3:1-3) ÒIf ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God

 

            Illustration:   EzekielÕs Infant (Ezekiel 16).

                                                                                    The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37).

                                                                                    Lazarus (John 11).

 

á      LazarusÕ condition — Lazarus was dead (v. 14) – ÒFor the glory of GodÓ (v. 4).

á      LazarusÕ calling (v. 43). — Personal — Irresistible — Effectual

á      LazarusÕ conversion (v. 44). — The grave clothes that bound him must be taken away. — Ignorance — Superstition — Tradition — Fear

á      LazarusÕ communion (12:2).

á      LazarusÕ conflict (12:10-11).

 

Resurrection Hope

 

I live in hope of the resurrection because I was resurrected with Christ representatively. — Second, I live in hope of the resurrection because I have been raised from death to life in Christ spiritually, because IÕve experienced the resurrection. — And, third, I live in hope of the resurrection because I believe the revelation of God concerning the resurrection (John 5:28-29). — ÒWhosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die.Ó GodÕs elect never die! There is a day coming in the which all that are in the grave shall be raised by the voice of the Son of God; and for you who believe, it shall be a resurrection of life.

 

(John 5:28-29) ÒMarvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.Ó

 

There shall be a resurrection of life at the second coming of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:35-44, 51-59; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Philippians 3:21). I am not talking about some secret rapture, but a glorious resurrection, a resurrection with and by our Lord Jesus ChristÉ

 

(Philippians 3:21) ÒWho 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.Ó

 

(2 Thessalonians 1:7-10) ÒAnd to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.Ó

 

Soon must this body die,

This mortal frame decay;

And, yes, my body must return

To ashes, air and clay?

 

Corruption, earth and worms

Shall but refine this flesh,

Till my triumphant spirit comes

To put it on afresh.

 

God my Redeemer lives! —

My Savior from the skies

Looks down, and watches all my dust,

Till He shall bid it rise.

 

Arrayed in glorious grace

My body then shall shine,

(United body, spirit, soul!),

In life by powÕr divine.

 

This blessed hope I owe

To JesusÕ dying love.

My Life and Resurrection, too, —

IÕll live with Christ above.

 

Dear Lord, accept the praise

Of this poor, mortalÕs song,

Till tunes of nobler sound I raise

With an immortal tongue!

 

Let us comfort one another with these words. Those who are sick and suffering. — Those who fear death. — Those who are bereaved. And let us be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. — Our labor is not in vain in the Lord!

 

Now, hear me a moment or two more. — There shall also be a resurrection of damnation (John 5:29). The wicked and unbelieving shall be raised by the power of Christ, in order to be judged and condemned. The believer shall be raised by virtue of his union with Christ, in order to be judged worthy of and rewarded with everlasting glory. The wicked shall be raised in wrath. The believing shall be raised in love. The wicked shall be raised for execution. The righteous shall be raised for a wedding. — ÒPrepare to meet thy God!Ó Soon you and I will stand before the living God in judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).

 

ÒFor we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.Ó (2 Corinthians 5:10-11)

 

Illustration: Rowland HillÕs Dream

 

Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

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