Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Resurrection of the Dead (continued))

Beloved, I feel inspired to write unto you from a new theme from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “The Resurrection of the Dead.” Beloved, the doctrine of the “resurrection of the dead” is so paramount that all the other doctrines of Christ that I shall share with you will rest upon it! You must understand that if there is no resurrection, then we as Christians are found to be false witnesses of Christ, and we are yet in our sins. We also must understand that if there is no resurrection, then the entire New Testament and many of the prophecies of the Old Testament are great big lies!! As recorded in scripture, many disciples either prophesied or testified that Christ was raised from the dead. The great apostle Paul explained to the Corinthian church that our faith in Jesus is vain if “Christ be not risen.” According to Paul, “if the dead rise not…they which are fallen asleep [believing] in Christ are perished.” Then, Paul put an end to the lie that Christ did not rise from the dead – Paul said, “Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” (I Corinthians 15:12-20).

Chosen Ones, just like today, there were many in Biblical times who did not believe in the “resurrection.” Yet, the “resurrection of Jesus” was a firm conviction of both Old and New Testament believers. Again, I must borrow from the apostle Paul’s expertise on this subject. As Paul is quoted to testify before Felix (the Roman governor of Judea), he said “This I confess unto thee, that after the way which [many in this time] call heresy [or hear-say], so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, [which taught us]…that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just [Christ and the saints in the Rapture] and unjust [sinners on Judgment Day]” (Acts 24:14-15).

Precious Ones, I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this – it is and always will be a pleasure to be your servant.

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy