DEATH IS MAN’S FINAL ENEMY

 

Luke 24:1-12

 

Death is the second greatest enemy in life for you and me, next to the Devil. In the Garden, God never fashioned our bodies to see death, nor did he intend for our bodies to rot in a grave. But something happened that changed all that! The Apostle Paul revealed that in the New Testament “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” Rom 5:12. “We” have inherited the penalty of Adam’s rebellion which is death. The one thing most people fear around the globe is the one thing everyone must face whether you believe in Christ or not.

 

Remember what the God said to Adam. “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Gen 2:16-17

 

This is not only speaking of physical death, but spiritual death as well because our sinful disposition destroys the father and son relationship.

 

R C Sproul said “Since the fall, every human being born into this world as a natural son of Adam arrives “DOA.” He is “dead on arrival” in a spiritual sense when he is born. But this spiritual death is not the same as biological death, though biological death is also the inevitable destiny of every sinning person. So, though we arrive “DOA” in a spiritual sense, we nevertheless arrive biologically alive. We live out our days on this planet on death row, living under the burden of the death sentence that is imposed on us for sin.”

 

But be of good cheer! This is why we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I mean by “Be of good cheer“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” 2 Cor 5:1-5

 

R C Sproul went on to say, “When we close our eyes in death, we do not cease to be alive; rather, we experience a continuation of personal consciousness. No person is more conscious, more aware, and more alert than when he passes through the veil from this world into the next. Far from falling asleep, we are awakened to glory in all of its significance. For the believer, death does not have the last word. Death has surrendered to the conquering power of the One who was resurrected as the firstborn of many brethren.”

  

Jesus’ death on the cross accomplished something that none of us could ever accomplish. Victory! Christ’s death is a demonstration of the great love of God towards sinners. Christ’s death means “Paid in full” to God for the sinner’s debt and declared completely free from his /her just condemnation through the gospel.

 

This is what His death accomplished.

But what about the resurrection of Jesus?

 

Like His death, His resurrection is equally important. For our eternal hope in this life. It’s these two acts of divine grace and power we see the complete work of the Gospel. Peter proclaimed this glorious gospel with boldness before the religious elites. “Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:10-12

 

Why could he speak with such confidence

and boldness?

 

First…..Peter was an eye-witness to the Risen Saviour. “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." John 20:19

 

Second….. Peter knew this was God’s perfect, decreed plan to save sinners from eternal death and judgement. “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” Acts 2:22-24

 

His death and His resurrection are vital for our eternal position and hope after we die. Even before Christ came in incarnate form to save us from ourselves this was a promise set in the heart of God’s children. One of the earliest letters written recorded this truth about our Great Redeemer. “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!” Job 19:25-27

What the angels said to the women who came to the Tomb was the living hope of the Old Testament saints.  “Why do you seek the living amoung the dead? He is not here, but has RISEN.” Luke 24:5-6

 

We read in Psalm 49:15 this future hope sung by the sons of Korah. “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.

 

In Daniel 12:1-2 we read this resurrection truth, “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.”

 

Jesus on numerous occasions spoke about His coming death and glorious resurrection. “So the Jews answered and said to Him, "What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.” John 2:18-22

 

His resurrection is vitally important and the message the angels gave to the ladies at the empty tomb…. Why? In the early days after His death on the cross brought about conspiracy theories and stories about His disappearance.

 

Death Theory conspiracy. This happened after Joseph of Arimathea put His body in the tomb, and the coolness of the room revived Jesus, supposedly. Despite not having access to medical care and nourishment, Jesus then supposedly managed to unwrap His dressings by Himself and then, in the total darkness of the tomb, locate and roll away the mammoth stone that sealed the tomb entrance. And then, still unnoticed by the guards, Jesus supposedly walked a significant distance, on feet punctured by the cross nails, to rejoin His disciples and declare Himself the risen Lord.

 

Theft Theory conspiracy said “The disciples stole the body from the sealed and guarded tomb, and conspired to teach that Jesus had resurrected. The second form is that grave robbers stole the body, and when Jesus’ disciples discovered the theft, they decided to tell everyone that He resurrected.” This theory originates back to the time of the resurrection itself. “While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” Matt 28:11-15. Justin Martyr recorded this early theory in his writings around AD 165, as does Tertullian, who was born in AD 150. One of the leading proponents of this theory today is Richard Carrier, who believes the resurrection to be an invention later adopted as church doctrine.

 

The Hallucination Theory……. asserts “that the many people who saw Jesus in His resurrected body just imagined doing so.” Because of Peter’s guilt and shame he had a vison; and Paul had a dream as a hallucination, to get the people to believe in His resurrection. But Paul debunks that theory with the eye-witness accounts. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” 1 Cor 15:1-9

His literal resurrection…… 

Testifies to character of a holy God in all His splendour, in all His glory. Seals the promise of His divine providence for redemption. Cries to the world “that all things are under His sovereign control and power.” Displays that His Word Is Truth and His authority and promises will stand forever? Is confirmation that “God says what He means and means what He says” The Entire Trinity Participated In The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ! The Father….. “...raised by the glory of the Father...” Rom 6:4. The Spirit …. “...the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead...” Rom 8:11. The Son…. “I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again” John 10:48. The resurrection is the finishing and complete work of the gospel and this truth is vital for the Old Testament saints and the New Testament saints.

 

Jesus Arose Because Of Who He Was…God. “God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” Acts 2:24

 

Christ’s Resurrection Made It Possible To Give Resurrection Life To Those Who Trust In The Saviour. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11-12

 

Christ’s Resurrection Demonstrates That Our Justification Is Completed. “No unbelief made him (Abraham) waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was "counted to him as righteousness." But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Rom 4:20-25

Christ Arose From Amoung The Dead As A First Fruits Of A Vast Resurrection In The Future Of All Who Have Died In Christ. “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Cor 15:20-22

 

Jesus Christ came to this earth to display the love of the Godhead to mankind! Through His death and resurrection. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sin to please the Father’s wrath!! Jesus Christ rose again on the 3rd day and in the following days ascended into Heaven. Jesus Christ is seated on the throne and He looks to His Father and says “It is finished.” Jesus would speak this with boldness and confidence, and the Father would respond likewise “It is finished indeed, my Son.”

 

Today is a day of rejoicing and celebration, not a day of sorrow

and uncertainty! He is RISEN 

 

When D. L. Moody, the great evangelist, was dying, his last words were, "Earth is receding, heaven is approaching; this is my crowning day." Why could D L Moody say that? The Biblical account of Jesus’ death and resurrection!

The blessed, perfected, completed gospel truth

of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

As Robert Peterson said “Jesus’s crucifixion saves, but not apart from his empty tomb. A Savior who remained in the grave would not be a Savior. And Jesus’s resurrection saves, but not apart from his cross. The two are inseparable in God’s plan and should be inseparable in our thinking.”

We have a Risen Lord who loves you dearly!

 

All He demands of us is to keep seeking His face and when the time is right we will reign with Him for all eternity. [our promised home] This was all made possible when Jesus conquered sin and death through His glorious Resurrection. 

MY SUNDAY QUESTION...Is focused for the unbelief, the ones on the fence, the doubters, and the sceptics.  What more does He need to do in order for you to believe?

He breathed life into existence

He Spoke to Abraham

He was with Moses at the Burning Bush

He was born of a virgin

He died literal death

He was buried for 3 days

He rose again and the tomb is empty

He ascended into the heavens

He is seated on the Throne the Majesty on High

He is preparing a place for those who believe (who trust in the promises of this book) and call upon Him by faith!

He showed the greatest act of love by loving us first.

 

As John Piper says “The highest act of love is the giving of the best gift, and, if necessary, at the greatest cost, to the least deserving. That’s what God did. At the loss of His Son’s life to the totally undeserving, God gave the best gift – the display of the glory of Christ who is the image of God.”

 

Jesus Christ has Risen from the grave

and defeated death for us!