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What Happened on the Third Day?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It was just a few weeks ago that we observed Resurrection Sunday, commonly known as Easter Sunday.  As is the case with Christmas, Easter has become a holiday totally removed from its spiritual significance.  Easter has been reduced by many to nothing more than bunnies, eggs, fashion styles, and dinners. Lost to so many in our society is the thought of an empty tomb, a crucified and risen Savior, and an eternal hope.  But that is what Resurrection Sunday is all about.   It should not be observed once a year.  For the true believer it is a daily remembrance and reason for celebration.   

We have been examining the most amazing Person who has ever lived on this earth.   We have studied who He is:   the eternal One, the God-man, the sinless Savior, the selfless Servant.   We have focused on what He has done:  His mighty miracles, His acts of service, and His sacrificial death.   For all others who have lived on this earth—even the most famous, powerful, and wealthy—death would be the end of their earthly life.  But not so with the Lord Jesus Christ.  There was far more to come.  I’m so glad that the life and ministry of Jesus did not end at the grave.  That’s why we ask the question, “What Happened on the Third Day?”  We focus on the angelic announcement:  “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said” (Matthew 28:6).   Let’s pursue the truth of the resurrection of Christ from three angles.  

  • How Jesus’ resurrection is presented

    • As a fulfillment of prophecy:  predicted by the Old Testament prophets (Psa. 16:9-10; Acts 2:29-31; Isa. 53:10) and by the Lord Jesus Himself (Matt. 12:38-40; 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19) 

    • As a fact of history (Matt. 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-49; John 20-21; Acts 2:29-32; 3:13-15; 4:8-12; 5:30-32; 13:26-39; 17:30-31)—a historical event corroborated by eyewitnesses

    • As an essential for salvation (Rom. 10:9-10)—no salvation without a settled belief in His resurrection

    • As a pillar of the Gospel message (I Cor. 15:1-4)—the Gospel consisting of His death for our sins and His resurrection from the dead

  • What Jesus’ resurrection proves

    • That God is faithful (Acts 13:32-37; cp. Acts 2:25-32; Psa. 16:8-11)—He will fulfill what He has promised.

    • That Jesus Christ is God (Rom. 1:1-4; cp. John 2:18-22; 20:30-31)—He was designated the Son of God through the resurrection from the dead.  

    • That Jesus Christ is Lord (Rom. 14:6-9; Acts 2:31-33, 36)—He died and rose again that He might be the Lord of both the living and the dead.  

    • That the cross is sufficient (Rom. 4:25; I Pet. 1:21; cp. I Cor. 15:17)—He was raised again on account of (because of) our justification (being declared righteous), which was accomplished through His death.

    • That the Gospel is true (I Cor. 15:1-4, 13-15)—His resurrection proves that our message is not empty.  

    • That the new birth is real (Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12-13; 3:1; cp. I Cor. 15:17)—His resurrection guarantees that we have risen spiritually with Him.  

    • That resurrection is coming (John 11:25-26; 14:19; I Cor.6:14; 15:20-23, 51-57; II Cor.4:14; I Thess. 4:14; I Pet.1:3-5; cp. I Cor.15:18-19)—His resurrection guarantees that we will rise physically like Him.  

    • That judgment is coming (Acts 17:30-31)—His resurrection ensures that God will judge the world in righteousness by the Man (the God-man) whom He has ordained. 

  • What proves Jesus’ resurrection

    • The first three proofs:  relating to the particulars of the scene

      • The moved stone (Matt. 28:2; Mark 16:1-4; Luke 24:1-2; John 20:1-2)—not because the body was stolen, but because the angel had moved the stone. . . weight/sealing of stone prevented theft

      • The empty tomb (Matt. 28:1, 5-6; Mark 16:5-6; Luke 24:3-6; John 20:3-8)—not because someone had stolen the body, but Christ had left the tomb...despondent disciples would not steal the body

      • The grave clothes (John 20:3-8)—left undisturbed, lying on the slab…why John saw and believed

    • The final three proofs:  relating to the people affected by what happened 

      • The Roman guards (Matt. 28:2-4, 11-15)—having seen the stone rolled away and angels sitting on the stone, yet collaborating with religious leaders to spread lie that the body was stolen

      • The personal appearances (Matt. 28:9-10; Mark 16:9-20; Luke 24:13-53; John 20:11-29; 21:1-23; Acts 1:3-11; I Cor. 15:3-8)—appearing no less than 11 times to various individuals and groups during the forty days following His resurrection. . .no hallucinations due to number/nature

      • The transformed disciples (Acts 1:12-14; 2:14-39; 3:1-26; 4:1-31; 5:12-42)—formerly cowardly, fearing for their lives. . .changed into bold preachers of the truth for which they would die

 The Christian faith rises or falls with His resurrection.  What happened on the third day after Jesus died makes all the difference in the world.   It makes a difference in regard to one’s eternal destiny.   Without the resurrection, we are all lost and without hope. . . with the resurrection, believers in Christ have eternal life and an eternal hope.   Are you trusting in the risen Christ for your eternal salvation?                    

Because of His Grace—Pastor Charlie