The Doctrine of the Resurrection

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John 5:28-29

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,…

is peculiarly Christian. With natural reason, assisted by some light lingering in tradition, a few philosophers spelled out the immortality of the soul; but that the body should rise again is brought to light by Christ. It is the key-stone of the Christian arch; for if Christ be not risen our faith is vain. It was the main weapon of the early missionaries, and therefore should be oftener preached. It is, moreover, continually blessed of God to arouse the minds of men. We shall —

I. EXPOUND THE TEXT.

1. There is a forbidding to marvel at the renewing of natural life, as in the case of Lazarus, etc., and at the quickening of the spiritually dead — both of which are things which it is legitimate to wonder at by way of admiration, but not in the spirit of insulting unbelief. But the greater marvel is the general resurrection. Yet to you it is less than that of the marvel of saving dead souls. In the former there is no opposition to omnipotence, but in the latter the elements of death are so potent that regeneration is a complicated miracle of grace and power, Nevertheless, to the few the former is the greatest marvel. Let us be admonished by these marvelling Jews. Does it seem impossible for that ungodly man to be converted? That you should be supported in your trouble? That your corruptions should be cleansed? Doubt no more. Your Saviour will raise the dead.

2. The coming hour.

(1) "An hour," because near to Him: since we do not begin to look for an hour that is remote. It may be a thousand years off, but with Him that is but as one day. Like Him, therefore, count it close, and act as though it would come to-morrow.

(2) "Coming," therefore, certain. Dynasties may stand or wither; but the hour of resurrection is sure, whatever else may be contingent or doubtful. Every second brings it nearer. Look at it, then, as a thing that ever cometh —

(3) the hour par excellence. We hear of hours which have been big with the fate of nations, crises in history; but here is the culminating crisis of all.

3. All "that are in their graves." Those before the flood, those after; from east, west, north, south; mighty empires, etc., and you.

4. "Shall hear His voice."(1) Why, the ear has gone! But the God who gives the ear to the new-born babe, shall renew yours.

(2) That voice now sounding in this place is not heard by those who have ears; yet those who have no ears shall then hear it. How deaf must those be who are more deaf than the dead. You must hear the summons to judgment; God grant that you may hear the summons to mercy.

5. "Shall come forth." Not only emerge, but be manifested. Hypocrisy will be unmasked, and unobtrusive good acknowledged.

6. "Those who have done good and those who have done evil."(1) Death makes no change in character, and we .must expect no improvement after death..

(2) Only two characters will rise. There are no mingled characters.

(3) All will be judged according to their works which have evidenced their faith.

(4) They will meet with different dooms.

II. DRAW LESSONS FROM THE TEXT.

1. Of adoring reverence. If the dead are to rise at the voice of Christ let us worship Him.

2. Of consolation to those who mourn departed friends. Weep not as if thou hadst cast thy treasure into the sea, thou hast only laid it in a casket whence thou shalt receive it brighter than before.

3. Of self-examination.

(1) What shall be your position?

(2) How shall you meet before God those whom you have sinned with before men?

(3) How shall you meet Him as your Judge who would have been your Saviour?

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