Jesus is not the only one to be raised from the dead, nor is He the first. However, four truths
set His resurrection apart from all others.
- The Lord's resurrection is the only one specifically predicted. Centuries before
it occurred, David made known the Messiah'"For thou wilt not leave my soul to
Sheol; Neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see corruption" (Psa. 16:10 ASV).
- The Lord's resurrection is unique because, except for the Lord, all that were
raised died again (Rom. 6:9-10) "knowing that Christ being raised from the dead
dieth no more; death no more hath dominion over him." He has the keys of death
(Rev. 1:17-18).
- The Lord's resurrection is unique because He raised Himself. All resurrections
are passive, except for Jesus'. He said, He had the power to take up His life again:
"...I lay down my life, that I may take it again...I have power to lay it down,
and I have power to take it again" (John 10:17-18 ASV). Scholar Albert Barnes is
correct when he said, "None but God can raise the dead; and as Jesus had this power
over his own body it proves that he was divine." Who Raised Jesus? The Father? The
Son? The Spirit? All raised Him, just as all of deity has a part in our salvation.
- The Lord's resurrection is unique because it declared Him to be the only
begotten Son of God, "who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according
to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our
Lord" (Rom. 1:4 ASV). Christianity is established on the resurrection — no
resurrection, no Christianity. If any take away the deity of Christ, then the whole
superstructure of the church falls.
A man supposedly went to a famous French statesman for advice. This man tried to found his own
religious system and had failed to draw a following or much interest. The statesman told him
how he could gain a great following: "Go and be crucified and then raise yourself from the grave
the third day."
It appears that founding a genuine religion is not so easy. Jesus did that which only
God could do. He raised Himself and established the church of Christ (Matt. 16:16-18;
Rom. 16:16). We ought to follow Jesus. It cannot be wrong. If we can help, feel free to
contact us.
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