Resurrection (John 11, 1Cor.15)
We must properly know and believe in the present nature of resurrection.
Because of this, we know the present salvation in eternal life and are freed from the fear of death.
1) Jesus' definition of death (John 11:11- sleep)
1Cor.15:20 - Firstfruits of them that slept.
1Th 5:10 - whether we wake or sleep
ex) A winter tree whose leaves have fallen is
not said to be dead, it is said to be in hibernation.
God's view of death is separate from God's life.
But man only know that body is dead.
The dragon (Satan) Lie(Gen.3:4):
The old serpent speaks only of death of the flesh
but God speaks both spirit and flesh.
The flesh is a moment but the spirit is eternal.
Eph.2:1 "you hath he quickened, who were dead
in trespasses and sins"
It is very important to realize the true meaning of
this death.
Many people think of physical death only as death, so they are afraid of sickness.(Hebrews 2:14-15)
That is why they take sickness seriously. (John 11:3) Martha and Mary lament that if Jesus had been there, He would have healed their brother Lazarus.(John 11:21)
2) Behold the Faith of Martha and Mary
Martha: Acknowlege the Lord (John 11:21-22) - Heal the sick, and if He pray, God will hear Him.
And She knows that He is Christ, the Son of God.(v.27)
However, they do not believe that the Lord is the present resurrection and life.
(The response to the words of verses 25-26 is shown in verse 27)
"Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day."(v.24)
Many christians today have this kind of resurrection faith as it is.
Mary: She, too, does not see Jesus as the resurrection and life, but only knows him as the one who can heal.(v.32)
Neighbors do the same: "Couldn't he have prevented Nazarus from dying?"(v.37)
- Humans know that eternal life is living forever without body dying(general thinking).
3) Jesus himself is the very resurrection and life.
(John 11:25-26): present verb.
-present resurrection and life
But, He is still useless to people.(v.30) : Now Jesus had not yet entered the village.
He was still at the place where Martha had met Him.
Even now, to those who only know the death of the body, Jesus still has nothing to do, so He has to just stand there.
4) The ministry of Jesus, who is both resurrection and life(v.33-44)
: Since He Himself is resurrection and life, Lazatus, who is related to Him, is already related to the resurrection and life of the Lord.
So Jesus said to him, " Come out"
That is why Jesus said, "Let's go wake Lazatus from sleep."
Jesus Christ is still the resurrection and life to those who believe and receive Him.
5) Examine your faith in resurrection
(1Cor.15:12-50:Words on the present resurrection)
If you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord, He is in you as resurrection and life.
Those who died in Adam need resurrection, and those who live again in Christ need life.
Therefore, resurrection and life are always one set.
John 11:25-26 is not meant to be written on the tombstones of those who have died physically.
We must engrave it on the tablet of our hearts with our present faith and always overcome the power of sin and death with the power of resurrection and life of the Lord
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