The Resurrection

Introduction: The Resurrection is one of the most important doctrines Christians believe because it is the cornerstone for everything else we believe, teach and do. It is a doctrine we must know and understand very well.

At the time of Paul there evidently was a teaching, possibly influenced by the Sadducees that caused some Christians to reject or doubt the resurrection. There was also at this time teacher of Epicuran philosophy, which focused on materialism and mocked any doctrine of resurrection. We have our modern counterparts today in the modernist, new age and false cults. 

Besides the general problems with doubt and disbelief, there was also a debate concerning the body one would have if the resurrection did occur. Because of these issues it is important we as Christians understand the doctrine of Resurrection.

Four Changes (I Corinthians 15:42-44)

1. The Change itself. Every seed sown has its proper body, is constituted of such materials, and figured in such a manner, as are proper to it, proper to that kind. This is plainly in the divine power, though we no more know how it is done than we know how a dead man is raised to life again. It is certain the grain undergoes a great change, and it is intimated in this passage that so will the dead, when they rise again, and live again, in their bodies, after death.

2. He proceeds hence to observe that there is a great deal of variety among others bodies, as there is among plants: as, (1.) In bodies of flesh: All flesh is not the same; that of men is of one kind, that of beasts another, another that of fishes, and that of birds another, v. 39. There is a variety in all the kinds, and somewhat peculiar in every kind, to distinguish it from the other. (2.) In bodies celestial and terrestrial there is also a difference; and what is for the glory of one is not for the other.

3. (1) From Corruption to Incorruption-- It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown. Burying the dead is like sowing them; it is like committing the seed to the earth, that it may spring out of it again. And our bodies, which are sown, are corruptible, liable to putrefy and moulder, and crumble to dust; but, when we rise, they will be out of the power of the grave, and never more is liable to corruption.

4. (2) From Dishonor to Glory-- Nothing is more loathsome than a dead body; it is thrown into the grave as a despised and broken vessel, in which there is no pleasure. But at the resurrection a glory will be put upon it; it will be made like the glorious body of our Savior; it will be purged from all the dregs of earth, and refined into an ethereal substance, and shine out with a splendor resembling his.

5. (3) From Weakness to Power-- It is laid in the earth, a poor helpless thing, wholly in the power of death, deprived of all vital capacities and powers, of life and strength: it is utterly unable to move or stir. But when we arise our bodies will have heavenly life and vigor infused into them; they will be healthy, and firm, and durable, and lively, and liable no more to any infirmity, weakness, or decay.

6. (4) From Natural to Spiritual-- when we rise it will be quite otherwise; our body will rise spiritual. (NOTE: Not that the body would be changed into spirit: this would be a contradiction in our common conceptions; it would be as much as to say, Body changed into what is not body, matter made immaterial. The expression is to be understood comparatively.) We shall at the resurrection have bodies purified and refined to the last degree, made light and agile; and, though they are not changed into spirit, yet made fit to be perpetual associates of spirits made perfect.

Two Adams (I Corinth. 15:45-49) 

1. The comparison of natural and spiritual bodies is traced to their origins

2. As we have our natural body, the animal body we have in this world, from the first Adam, we expect our spiritual body from the second Adam, Christ.

3. The first Adam was made a living soul, such a being as ourselves, and with a power of propagating such beings as himself, and conveying to them a nature and animal body like his own, but none other, nor better.

4. The second Adam is a quickening Spirit; he is the resurrection and the life, He hath life in himself, and quickeneth whom he will, John v. 20, 21.

5. The first man was of the earth, made out of the earth, and was earthy; his body was fitted to the region of his abode: but the second Adam is the Lord from heaven; he who came down from heaven, and giveth life to the world (John vi. 33); 

6. Physical life is given freely

7. Spiritual life is not given indiscriminately and depends on each person making a choice. They can stay on a natural level or choose to rise to a spiritual level.

8. The Christian begins as earthly but assumes a heavenly nature through the relation with Jesus Christ.

Final Victory (1Corinth. 15:50-57)

1. A mystery is revealed –Not everyone will die a physical death as we define death today.

2. Jesus will call His church out and the dead will raise to incorruptible bodies

3. The change must happen, will be immediate and last for eternity. Our last battle with disease, weakness, and decay will be over.

4. It will be achieved only through Jesus Christ.