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THE RESURRECTION
FROM the resurrection of Christ we may infer, that we ourselves also shall rise from the dead. Indeed, he is called “the first-fruits of them that slept;” and therefore we may expect that there will be a complete harvest in due time. To this effect also we are informed in the words before us: from which we shall be naturally led to consider,
I. The certainty of the resurrection—
By many it has been “thought incredible that God should raise the dead.” But “their error proceeds from not knowing the Scriptures, or the power of God [Note: Mat_22:23; Mat_22:29.].” Consider then,
1. What the Scriptures speak concerning it—
[They have recorded many instances wherein the dead have been raised [Note: 1Ki_17:17-23. 2Ki_4:32-37. Luk_7:12-15. Joh_11:43-44. Act_9:36-41 and especially Mat_27:52-53.] — — — Even in the Old Testament there are not wanting many strong intimations of it [Note: Exo_3:6. with Mar_12:26-27. Isa_26:19. Hos_13:14. with 1Co_15:54-55 and especially Job_19:25-27.] — — — and in the New, it is declared in every page [Note: passim. See 1 Corinthians 15.] — — —]
2. The power of God to effect it—
[See what God has done: look at the whole creation; and then ask, Whether He who formed the universe out of nothing, cannot as easily re-unite our scattered atoms (whatever changes then may have undergone), and restore to every one his own body? Yes; it was the voice of Jesus that spake the universe into existence; and that same voice will call forth into renewed existence all that are mouldered in their graves. See, moreover, what our God is doing. We forbear to notice the succession of day and night, and summer and winter; or the reviviscency of birds and insects after long intervals of suspended animation. We call your attention rather to the changes wrought upon the seed that is cast into the earth: it dies, and rises again, in appearance different, in reality the same. What more striking image of the resurrection could be presented before our eyes? Surely in this we have a pattern of the change that shall be accomplished in us at the last day; and a pledge that “our bodies, which are sown in corruption, weakness, and dishonour, shall be raised in incorruption, power, and glory.”]
As no doubt can remain upon our minds respecting the certainty of the resurrection, let us next consider,
II. The issue of it—
There will be an immense difference between the states of different men—
[Who can conceive all that is implied in “a resurrection to life?” If in some respects we may borrow images from the present life in order to illustrate it, in other respects that new and heavenly life will form a perfect contrast to all that we now experience. It is true, that all the faculties of our bodies shall be employed in the service of our God: but it is also true, that they shall never clog the soul in its operations; their capacities shall be exceedingly enlarged; they shall never be subject to weariness or want of any kind; they shall be as full of activity and blessedness as the soul itself — — —
On the other hand, Who shall declare what is the full import of “a resurrection to damnation?” We are shocked at the very sound of the word “damnation:” how much more should we be so, if we knew all that is comprehended in it! It is in vain to attempt to describe the anguish which the body shall endure in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone. But we are persuaded that the soul will bitterly bewail the necessity it is under of being re-united to that body, which once, instead of governing it aright, it pampered and obeyed — — — And its misery will be fearfully augmented by the increased capacity of anguish which it will derive from its union with the body — — —]
This difference will correspond with, and be founded on, their moral characters—
[The Scriptures uniformly declare the connexion that subsists between our present conduct and our future state. Nor need we be afraid of stating the truth precisely in the same manner, provided we bear in mind what is implied “in doing good, and doing evil.” To do good is, to serve God cheerfully and without reserve. Now the very first “commandment of God is, that we believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ.” This at once lays the axe to the root of all self-righteousness; and necessitates us to look unto Christ both for righteousness and strength. And we do not hesitate to say, that all who serve God in conformity with this fundamental principle, shall have a resurrection to life.
If, on the contrary, we “do evil,” neglecting this adorable Saviour, and living to ourselves rather than to him, we shall certainly “come forth to everlasting shame and contempt [Note: Dan_12:2.].”
Each of these truths is so firmly asserted in the Scriptures, that no doubt of them can be entertained [Note: Gal_6:7-8. Rom_2:6-10.]. We want only to have them brought home with more feeling to our hearts.]
Address—
[Consider for which of these states you are preparing. You may delay, under the idea that the time will never come: but “the hour is coming,” as fast as the wings of time can bring it forward. Let not your preparation for it be deferred: for life is uncertain; and as death finds you, so will judgment find you. If you live and die obedient followers of Christ, you will be happy. If you rely not on him, or devote not yourselves unreservedly to him, it will not be in the power of God himself to save you: for “he cannot deny himself;” and he has expressly said, that all such persons shall have “a resurrection to damnation.”]