The resurrection and the life 1 Historical context of belief in the first century No life after death A soul lived on (Plato) Resurrection at the last day No resurrection at all (Sadducees) A wide spectrum of belief many different views 2 1
First century Christian belief Virtually no spectrum of belief at all Sadducees error persisted but was condemned by Jesus Unanimous belief in the resurrection from the dead at the last day an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out John 5/29 3 There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4/4-6 For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace 1 Corinthians 14/33 4 2
Resurrection is central to the gospel - 1 Cor 15/12-19 not even Christ has been raised. our preaching is in vain your faith is in vain We are even found to be misrepresenting God, your faith is futile you are still in your sins. those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished 5 6 3
Key points The resurrection is the unanimous hope for life after death It will take place at the last day, not immediately after death It will be a real bodily resurrection It is central to the true gospel Jesus' resurrection is the first step in securing this hope 7 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. I Corinthians 15/20-23 8 4
Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out...... those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5/25-29 9 At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt Daniel 12/1-2 10 5
and the life Raised to life or condemnation John 5/25-29 Daniel 12/1-2 A different kind of life eternal life at the last day 1 Peter 1/3-5 and 2 Peter 1/4 1 John 3/2 John 11/25-26 - parallel 1 Thessalonians 4/15-17 and 1 Corinthians 15/50-56 A different kind of life NOW the response of faith and hope 11 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 1 John 3/3 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: 2 sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience Colossians 3/2,5,12 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus Romans 6/11 12 6
I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? John 11/25-26 13 7