Risen

Resurrection is not just for the saints, but also for the dead. We are either resurrected unto eternal life or unto eternal death.

They Were Risen

In the Old Testament, there are three recorded cases of resurrection:

• Widow of Zarephath’s son – 1 Kings 17:21–22
• Shunammite woman’s son – 2 Kings 4:20–37
• Dead man in Elisha’s tomb – 2 Kings 13:20–21

During Jesus’ ministry in the New Testament:

• Widow of Nain’s son – Luke 7:11–15
• Jairus’ daughter – Matthew 9:18, 25; Mark 5:22, 41–42
• Lazarus – John 11:38–44
• Saints resurrected at Jesus’ death – Matthew 27:50–54

During the time of Peter and Paul:

• Dorcas – Acts 9:36–42
• Eutychus – Acts 20:9–12

Christ Is Risen

The resurrection of Christ was foretold by prophets like Job and David and confirmed by the Gospel writers. The empty tomb was found by the women, and over the next 40 days, Jesus appeared to many:

• Mary Magdalene – John 20:14–18
• Other women – Matthew 28:9
• Two disciples on the road to Emmaus – Luke 24:13–31
• Cephas – 1 Corinthians 15:5
• Disciples without Thomas – John 20:19–24
• Disciples with Thomas – John 20:26
• Seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberias – John 21:1–14
• Eleven disciples in Galilee – Matthew 28:16–20
• More than 500 brethren – 1 Corinthians 15:6
• James – 1 Corinthians 15:7
• Gathering before the ascension – Luke 24:33–50
• To Paul – Acts 9:3–6

We Are Risen

Believers are partakers of Christ’s resurrection.

Ephesians 2:5–6 (NKJV): "Even when we were dead in trespasses, [He] made us alive together with Christ... and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

Colossians 2:12 (NKJV): "Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God."

Colossians 3:1–3 (NKJV): "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above... your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Putting Sin to Death

We are called to mortify our sinful nature:

Colossians 3:5 (NKJV): "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness."

Colossians 3:8–10 (NKJV): "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice... and put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge."

Colossians 3:12–14 (NKJV): "Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility... forgiving one another... But above all these things put on love."

Conclusion

We will rise one day to receive a glorified, incorruptible body. Until then, we must live in reverence, not taking the grace of God in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (NKJV): "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed... at the last trumpet... and we shall be changed."