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| Volume 19 Number 7 July 2017 | Page 12 |
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| Volume 19 Number 7 July 2017 | Page 12 |
Mark T. Tonkery
Many of us often make it a habit of reading the obituaries to see which one of our classmates, coworkers, friends and family have gone on to meet their reward. Obituaries tell us about where a person was born, lived, one’s immediate family history, one’s occupation, hobbies and many other things, besides the times of the funeral and the burial location. These notices of death are a daily reminder that life on earth is not permanent. Obituaries have a finality to them; they become a permanent record and a reminder that a loved one is not present with us in this life any more.
Now, as one reads the Bible, it becomes very clear that Jesus never had an obituary. We read about His birth in Bethlehem (Matthew 1:18-2:6). We can learn about His family (Matthew 1:1-17). We can learn about much of His life and ministry in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We can also learn about the events leading up to His death and about His actual death upon the cross in these same passages of the Bible. Yet, the one thing no can find in the Bible is Jesus’ obituary.
First Corinthians 15:1-4 explains it this way:
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the Gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…
First Corinthians 15:20-23 continues to teach, “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. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.”
Because Jesus, by the power of God, was raised from the dead, His death was not the end. The Bible also makes it clear that not only did Jesus rise from the dead, but all people will be raised at Jesus’ Second Coming—some to a resurrection of life and others to the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29). Those who obey Jesus’ doctrine, which reenacts the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ through faith, repentance and baptism (Romans 6:1-4, 17), are cleansed from their sins. They can continue to be faithful to Christ, and thereby, they have the hope of being raised at His Second Coming to be with Christ forever in Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
Jesus’ death was not permanent. His grave was not final. The tomb was not Jesus’ final resting place. Jesus does not have an obituary because Jesus did not remain in the grave. Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection comprise the “good news” of the Bible. Jesus does not have an obituary. He came not to have an ending but to bring a new beginning. What will your obituary say? Will it tell how you lived because you followed the One who arose from the grave and never had an obituary? Have you been saved? You can be, if you’ll respond to Jesus on His terms. Think about it!
Mark McWhorter
The birth, life and death of Jesus Christ are of great importance to mankind. Yet, without His resurrection, those things would have no meaning for man’s salvation. There are numerous ways that His resurrection has meaning.
His resurrection means that He is Lord both of the living and of the dead (Romans 14:8-9). His power and His Lordship is not nullified when we die. He lives in Heaven and is Lord over all who have died. This tells us that a part of us survives death and that part has a mind.
His resurrection is a pledge that we do have an inheritance in Heaven (1 Peter 1:3). He is ruling in heaven, and He will not forget those who serve and obey Him.
His resurrection is the proof that He will resurrect us (Romans 8:11). We do not have to doubt our resurrection.
His resurrection guarantees that the righteous who have died since the beginning of the world will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). All the righteous will come out of their graves to new lives.
His resurrection assures us that we will see all the righteous in Heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:14). All the righteous will live in Heaven with Jesus Christ.
His resurrection is the ultimate example of God’s power (Ephesians 1:19-20). That power is granted to all who live for Jesus. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead will be used to raise us into new lives at baptism. It will also be used to raise us up at the Judgment.
His resurrection is the pinnacle theme of our teaching and preaching (Acts 3:15-16; 4:10). He lived for us. He died for us, and he was raised from the grave for us.
His resurrection allowed Him to give the teaching of the New Covenant to men such as Paul (Galatians 1:1). Without Jesus in Heaven sending the Holy Spirit to give the fullness of the New Covenant to mankind, we would never have salvation.
His resurrection is proof that God will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 18:31). His judgment will not be biased. His judgment will not be unjust.
His resurrection gives us the courage to suffer and to even die for Him (Philippians 3:8-10). If Jesus was willing to suffer on earth and die for us, we should be willing to suffer and to even die for Him. If we share in His suffering, we will share in His glory.
Study your Bible. Learn all you can about our wonderful Christ. Obey Him so that you may share in His resurrection. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.