The Proofs of The Resurrection

Text: Rev.1:18

Intro:

1. The resurrection of Christ is the center and object of the Christian faith.
If He did not rise then we have no foundation for a living Savior.

2. The resurrection of Christ is stressed in the first recorded sermon in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:22).

3. Grace depends upon the resurrection of Christ.  If grace is to be manifested, then the one who is authorized to bestow grace must be alive.

What does the resurrection really prove?

I.   The Deity of Christ- 
Jesus speaking of His life said in John 10:18, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again"   Only God has that kind of prerogative and choice.  Christ is God wrapped in human flesh.

II.  The Defeat of the Devil-
Satan's doom is foretold in the early chapters of Genesis, more specifically Gen.3:15, "It shall bruise thy head."  Who will bruise the head?  The Seed of the Woman--the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 2:14 declares: "Forasmuch 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."

"Destroy" means: "To render inoperative,  to nullify, to make idle or ineffective, to render as impotent as though no longer existing."  This defeat is put to work in our lives through faith.

III. The Deceitfulness of the Lie-

What lie?  The lie that was told which say the disciples stole the body of the Lord Jesus Christ.  See what the Scriptures say about it:

Matt. 28:12-15:
12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

IV. The Destiny of the Dead-
Jesus said, "Because I live ye shall live also" (Jn.14:19).  Those who died in Jesus have bodies that are asleep awaiting the resurrection.  It is not the soul which sleeps but the body or the human tabernacle itself.  Since Christ arose, then we can rest assured he can raise the dead, putting them in heaven or in hell.

V.   The Dependability of the Word-
Jesus said in Jn.2:19, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
He was not speaking of the Jewish temple of worship but the temple of His body.   Christ kept His Word and He will always keep His Word in all situations and circumstances.

VI.   The Declaration of the Son-
When Jesus appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos, he told Him this, “ I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (Rev.1:18).  Though John was alone on that small island where he was left to die, Jesus wanted John to know that He was around---not a has been---but one who is.

Conclusion:
What wonderful truths are established and proven by the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Tell others about these blessed things established by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from among the  dead.