0186. 183. Christ’s Resurrection

183. Christ’s Resurrection

“Now Is Christ Risen” (1Co_15:20)

As we behold the fact of the starry Heavens in their order and movement, and see their relative importance; so as we ponder the star fact of Christ’s resurrection we find there are several stars of truth that are relative to it and depend upon it. These may be classified in the following words—prediction, crucifixion, resurrection, vivification, consecration, indissolubility, and revelation.

1. Prediction. Christ predicted His death and resurrection, as His enemies testified when they urged Pilate to make the tomb secure, for they said, “Sir, we remember that this Deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again” (Mat_27:63).

2. Crucifixion. “Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more: death hath no more dominion over Him, for in that He died, He died unto sin once, but, in that He liveth, He liveth unto God” (Rom_6:9-10). The emphasis here, is, the Risen One has “died,” that He died “once,” that He died in dealing with “sin,” that He will “no more” die. Death can never have dominion over Him again, and that in a new way for us “He liveth unto God.”

3. Resurrection. The resurrection of Christ not only meant to be roused and then to rise up, but He is always said to be “raised from the dead.” This is always the emphatic word in the epistles—Rom_4:24; Rom_8:11; Rom_10:9; Gal_1:1; Eph_1:20; Col_2:12; 1Th_1:10; 1Pe_1:21, the apex of the apostles’ message—Act_3:15; Act_4:10; Act_13:30, and the essential thing as a moving and magnetic power in the life of the believer—2Co_1:9; 2Co_4:10; Php_3:10. His out-resurrection was peculiar in that He would never come under the power of death again, like Lazarus. That out-resurrection secures the out-resurrection of all His own.

4. Vivification. Livingness is the one thing which characterises Christ. “He shewed Himself alive” (Act_1:3) is the Spirit’s word; and the ringing testimony of the “certain women” was, “He is alive” (Luk_24:23). The message of the apostle was the same, he “affirmed He was alive” (Act_25:19); and Christ’s message to John at Patmos was the same, “I am alive” (Rev_1:18; Rev_2:8). Since He is alive, what need we fear? Whether it be the condemning past, the anxious present, or the ominous future, He bids us not to fear.

5. Consecration. The Spirit, referring to Christ’s non-succession priesthood, says He is “consecrated for evermore,” or as it should be rendered, “to the age” (Heb_7:28), or “unto the ever,” for His priesthood is, like Himself, “for ever” (Heb_13:8). The priests of the past were compassed by sin, infirmity, death, and change, but not so Christ, for as the Living One in His new office of unchanging priesthood He lives to succour, save, and sustain completely.

6. Indissolubility. Christ is “made” as our High Priest “after the power of an endless life” (Heb_7:16). “Endless” does not express the character of the “life.” “Indissoluble” is the meaning of “akatalutos,” which signifies the life is incapable of being loosed down by any power, death or otherwise; so He could not die again if He wanted to. What is there wrapped up in this for us? The assurance that every one who shares His life will share His indissolubility.

7. Revelation. Christ’s affirming word, as He looks out of the cycles of eternity, is, “I am alive for evermore” (Rev_1:18). “Evermore” would be better rendered “unto the ages of the ages.” What other language can express infinitude, durability, perpetuity, reliability, continuity, and eternity? And, as the Living One, Christ assures, “I have the keys of Hades and of death.” Therefore, whatever the future holds, and whatever fastnesses are ahead, He has the keys to open and shut. What a revelation is this! How fully Christ has brought life and immortality to light. How all this confirms our faith, inspires our love, stimulates our zeal, moves our services, calls forth our worship, and brightens our hope.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH