the scriptures testify of the lord's resurrection (John 5:39)
Introduction:
1. When Jesus made this statement, He gave the key to knowing what we need to know about Him. 2. That key is: "search the Scriptures." 3. The Scriptures "testify" [bear witness] of the Lord. 4. In our lesson we are searching the Scriptures to examine 4 principles that relate to the Lord's resurrection. 5. Unfortunately, much that is believed and taught about the resurrection of Christ is not based on Scripture. 6. Thankfully, "the Scriptures testify of the Lord's resurrection." Discussion: I. FIRST, THE SCRIPTURES TESTIFY OF WHO RAISED JESUS FROM THE GRAVE
A. According to the Scriptures, God raised His Son. B. See Acts 2:22-24, 32; 3:14-15, 26 II. SECOND, THE SCRIPTURES TESTIFY OF WHEN GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE GRAVE
A. Jesus was raised on the 3rd day after He was crucified. 1. Jesus stated that this would happen (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23). 2. According to the Scriptures,: a. He died and was buried on the day of preparation [Friday] (John 19:42) b. His body remained in the tomb over the Sabbath [Saturday] c. He arose on the 3rd day [Sunday]. B. Jesus was raised on the 1st day of the week [Sunday] (Luke 24:1-8). C. The Scriptures do not designate a particular day each year when the Lord's resurrection is to be celebrated [or His birth]. III. THIRD, THE SCRIPTURES TESTIFY OF WHERE GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE GRAVE
A. Jesus was raised from the grave in the garden where He was buried near the place of crucifixion. B. See John 19:41-42. IV. FOURTH, THE SCRIPTURES TESTIFY OF WHY GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE GRAVE
A. The Lord's resurrection fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 16:8-11; Acts 2:25-32). B. The Lord's resurrection proved His divinity (Romans 1:1-4). C. The Lord's resurrection was for our justification (Romans 4:22-25). D. The Lord's resurrection is an essential part of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). E. The Lord's resurrection gives us hope (1 Corinthians 15:12-23). Conclusion:
1. We have searched the Scriptures to examine 4 principles that relate to the Lord's resurrection. 2. In closing, let us consider 2 additional matters of great importance. a. For one thing, we know that Jesus was raised from the grave because many witnesses saw Him (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). b. For another thing, we learn from Romans 6:3-4 how to be raised with Him.
