Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “The Resurrection of the Dead” – this topic is fitting as we celebrate Palm Sunday. You must understand that it was because of the hope of the resurrection that Paul was called into question and finally sent to Rome to make an appeal before Caesar. On Paul’s way to his audience with Caesar, he stood before Felix (the governor of Judea) and said, “I confess unto thee [that my fathers have] hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (Acts 24:14-15). Beloved, at some point, everyone will be raised from the dead. However, those of us who are partakers of the first resurrection (the Rapture) will be raised to live a life of eternal joy, but those who are raised in the second resurrection will be raised for judgment and eternal damnation! According to the scriptures, “blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power” (Revelation 20:6).

Precious Ones, when Paul met King Agrippa (King of the Judean Region), Paul said to him, “Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” (Acts 26:8). When Paul finally arrived in Rome to address Caesar (the Roman Emperor) and his magistrates, Paul said, “When the Jews spake against [my faith in Jesus’ resurrection], I was constrained [prompted] to appeal unto Caesar…For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel [being raised to see Jesus face to face in eternal life] I am bound with this chain” (Acts 28:19-20).
Chosen Ones, today, many people think it incredible that Jesus was raised from the dead. They do not share our faith that just as God can raise Jesus, so He can raise them out of every challenge. In their doubt, they will try to keep us from achieving our spiritual and physical goals. Remember, however, that because of the resurrection, we can now do “all things through Christ which strengtheneth (us)” (Philippians 4:13).

I will write more on this subject for Easter Sunday. Until then, know this,

I love you all SO very much,
Because He was raised,

Pastor William L. McCoy