IMPORTANCE OF THE BODILY RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST
Easter 2011
Text: John 11:25 – 26
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?
Introduction
In a world with so many religions and so many ‘messiahs and showers-of-ways,’ people find themselves before a dilemma of choice. The questions are many: What religion and leader to follow? Aren’t all the same? Which one will lead us to a better place after all? Aren’t all claimed that their path is the best? In a world that does not believe in absolute, we would like to present to you the Lord Jesus Christ.
A. The situation of man before God.
a. The sin of our forefather Adam and Eve has created enmity between God and man. Every human being is lost as the consequence of that sin.
b. The result is that man is destined to die and to spend eternity in hell away from the presence of God. Genesis 3:19, Rom. 3:23
B. The plan of salvation of God.
a. The holiness and justice of God require that the sinners should pay for their sins. But his love obliges him to spare mankind. He demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 8
b. No one else could make the sacrifice for our salvation because everyone is a sinner. From Genesis to Malachi, God was searching for one just to accomplish the work of salvation, but He could not find even one. “He looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. All are corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Ps.14: 2-3)
C. Jesus is the only one qualified to save people from sin.
a. His birth- He was conceived by the virtue of the Holy Ghost. Mt.1: 18
b. His life- He did not commit one sin during his earthly life. John 8:46
D. His resurrection from among the dead guarantees victory over death to His followers.
a. He raised many people during his ministry. John 11:43
b. Christians came from the dead after his resurrection. Mat.27: 51-53
i. He keeps his promises forever. “I am the resurrection…” John 11: 25-26
j. Saints of all ages will be resurrected before the tribulation. I Thes.4: 13-17
Conclusion. “Know Jesus, Know life – No Jesus, no life” If you are sincere in your search for a better future, for power over death, a relationship with Lord Jesus Christ is the way to go. He has been tested by fire and proven to be genuine. He declares: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Do not let yourself be fool by so-called ‘messiahs or showers-of-way’ who are still in the graves. If they cannot remove themselves from the stronghold of death, there is no reason to believe that they can help others. Jesus is alive, and He can save those who place their faith on Him. Choose Jesus!