Old Llantrisant Hill
Introduction
- This morning we looked at v17-18
- The book "Right counts forever" - this should be the maxim we live by
- Everything we do counts forever
- Society does not believe in a 'forever' just a 'now'
- The Bible teaches 'now' does not last just for now but for eternity also
- One thing is most important - what we do concerning Christ Jesus
- The deciding factor - do we believe in Christ?
- Faith in Christ Jesus
- Context:
- v17-47 is a single discourse
- Jesus is giving a defense concerning Himself to the Jewish leaders
- Jesus preaches a great sermon with great theological truths
- This reveals who Jesus is - He is God
- The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Him
- A response is required - either positive or negative
- The positive response to believe in Christ and have life in His name
- The negative response to reject Christ
- Prior teaching:
- v17 - Jesus is equal with God
- v19-20 - Jesus speaks about His relationship in the Trinity
- v21 - Jesus speaks about His divine power
- v22 - Jesus speaks about His divine authority of all judgment
- v23 - Jesus is worthy of the same honour as the Father
- v24 - Jesus gives everlasting life
- You must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to pass from death (in sin) to everlasting life
- What you do concerning Christ Jesus now, counts forever
- v25-29 – Resurrection
- Two types of resurrection - a spiritual and then a physical resurrection
- Two times of resurrection - a resurrection to eternal life and eternal damnation
What is Spiritual resurrection?
- v25 - "Now" - the present tense
- Old Testament believers put their faith in the promised Christ
- Christ has now come - His identity is revealed
- "The hour is coming"
- Jesus speaking of those who would be saved
- Example of Pentecost and the last 2000 years
- Is defined in Salvation
- Those who do not believe in Jesus are spiritually dead
- We are all born into sin and are alienated from God
- Sin distorts our view of God
- v26 - Life in God
- Without God there is no life - we are spiritually dead
- Being born again - from above
- John 3:5
- The Spirit of God enables us to hear the voice of Christ
- Spiritual resurrection makes the truth of God irresistible
- Have you experienced this?
- Have you believed on Jesus Christ?
Why is Spiritual resurrection necessary?
- v27 - God has given Jesus the authority to execute judgment
- How will you stand before the judge of all mankind?
- What you make of the truth of Jesus now will affect you in eternity
- Because He is the Son of Man
- He took all our infirmity upon Himself - He was tempted in all ways yet without sin
- He is most fit to be humanities judge - His judgments will be perfect
- He will judge rightly
- What you believe about Jesus counts forever
- v28-29 – A Physical resurrection
- Speaking of the last day / the Day of Judgement
- All people throughout history will be resurrected bodily
- Our spirit is separated from our body at death - but in the physical resurrection our spirit will be given new bodies
- New bodies suitable for the heavenly realm or to face hell
- This might sound alien to us - but these are eternal truths
- The day will be when Jesus' voice is heard
- Only God knows when this will be
- Jesus will given the command to summon the dead from the graves at the appointed time
- How exactly we do not know - though it will be loud and clear
- A separation
- To the resurrection of life or to the resurrection of condemnation
- This is not talking about good works - Scripture is clear that salvation is by faith alone
- The separation is not by their works but by their fruits
- Those in Christ have done 'good' because of His work in us
- Jesus will recognise those in Him
- What you do now matters for eternity
- There are two destinations and only two options - do we trust in Him?
- If you would hear His voice, harden not your hearts
- Whoever believes in Jesus Christ will have eternal life
- Today is the day of salvation
- Ask for faith to believe in Him