Let Us Learn about the Lord's Resurrection (John 5:39)
Introduction:
1. The resurrection of Christ is one of the key doctrines in Christianity. a. Christianity is based on the Lord's resurrection from the grave. b. Without the Lord's resurrection there can be no Christianity. 2. Unfortunately, much that is believed and taught about the Lord's resurrection is not based on Scripture. 3. To illustrate, in an article on Easter, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (p.889) states, "There is no trace of Easter celebration in the New Testament." 4. To know what the Lord wants us to know about His resurrection we must follow His instruction in John 5:39. 5. In our lesson we are searching the Scriptures to find answers to 4 questions that relate to the Lord's resurrection. Discussion:
I. QUESTION #1: 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. QUESTION #2: WHEN DID GOD RAISE 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 [or His birth] is to be celebrated. III. QUESTION #3: WHERE DID GOD RAISE 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. QUESTION #4: WHY DID GOD RAISE 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 4:25; 6:3-6). 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 find answers to 4 questions that relate to the Lord's resurrection. 2. In closing, let us answer 2 additional questions. a. First, how do we know that Jesus was raised from the grave? [ Consider the witnesses who saw Him in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8] b. Second, have you been raised with Him?
