Notes compiled by Marty Zide and Steve McAtee
As important as everything that the Lord Jesus did during His earthly ministry, it all hinged upon the resurrection. This is what sets Him apart from all other would-be Saviors and Messiahs. Without the resurrection, nothing would have been accomplished upon the cross. There would be no salvation, we would all still be in our sins.
The concept of the resurrection is not something that originated in the New Testament. The Old Testament clearly teaches this wonderful truth. Here is a quote from Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost about the truth of the resurrection as found in the Old Testament.
From the Old Testament, we learn these facts. First, there is a resurrection from the dead. Second, resurrection is universal; it is for all men.
Third, there are two kinds of resurrection: there is the resurrection to life and resurrection to death; there is the resurrection for the righteous and resurrection for the wicked. It teaches that not only would men rise again, but the Messiah Jesus would be resurrected from the dead.
Dan 12:2 - Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.
Ps 16:9 - Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
Jesus Predicted His Own Resurrection
On several occasions, Jesus stated that He would rise from the dead. If this did not happen exactly as Jesus said, He would be a false prophet and certainly not the promised Messiah.
Matt 16:21 - From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.
Matt 17:22-23 - And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day. And they were deeply grieved.
Mark 9:31 - For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.
Luke 9:22 - The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.
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