Beloved, today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is only fitting that we continue this series of letters from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” Series, entitled “The Resurrection of the Dead.” Beloved, those who are without hope grieve because their loved ones have been taken away. This is why the apostle Paul encourages us not to be “ignorant…concerning them which are asleep [those who have died in Christ].” Paul says, “Sorrow not…as others which have no hope” (I Thessalonians 4:13). Why? Because “if [we as Christians] believe that Jesus died and rose again, [we expect Him to bring all of them that] sleep in Jesus with him [when He comes]” (I Thessalonians 4:14). Again, Beloved, let us draw our conclusions from the Word of God. Scripture teaches us the purpose of Christ’s death. “To this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he [Jesus] might be Lord both of the dead and the living” (Romans 14:9). Finally, we learn that it is God’s will for us to benefit from His resurrection. Jesus “died for us, whether we [are awake] or sleep, [so that] we should live together with him” (I Thessalonians 5:10). Scripture also records that “God hath both raised up the Lord, and [He] will also raise up us by his own power” (I Corinthians 6:14). Beloved, this means that all Christians are supposed to live a victorious life. If we “live with him,” this means that as He lives, our lives ought to emulate His. If Jesus reigns over all things, let us rejoice over the fact that we do too! Today, we have the same power that He has. We are “the present” that God will present to Himself (see II Corinthians 4:14).
I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this…
I love you all SO very much,
Because He is Risen,
Pastor William L. McCoy
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