Video preaching

The resurrection of Christ and its impact in the life of the Christian, Part 1

 

The Book of Hebrews is the NT exposition of the book of Leviticus. It therefore focuses heavily on the theme of sacrifice and death necessary to atonement and redemption.

Yet the epistle does not end without a powerful reference to the resurrection of Christ. That event was prefigured in Levitical ritual but only in a very limited way. For example, in the re-emergence of the High Priest in his glorious garments on the day of atonement; in the release of the living bird in the ritual cleansing of the leper in which one of the pair was killed.

The resurrection of Christ, as this text insists, is a vital part of the gospel. The impact of the resurrection in the soul and spiritual life of the redeemed is described here.

I  THE WORK OF GOD IN THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST.

The God of peace.

The resurrection is the work of God. Cp Acts 10:40, Eph 1:19-20. It was a Divine act to reanimate the human body of Christ.

This is the peace/tranquility that prevails between God and the redeemed. This is the gospel peace of pardon. Cp Rom 5:1, Eph 2:14-16, 1Jn 2:2. The resurrection is at once the reason and proof that peace exists and the means by which we enjoy it. It is on account of and through the resurrection that God communicates peace to believing sinners. Without the resurrection men remain the enemies of God.

Our Lord Jesus. This expression serves not only to identify the Divine Saviour who was raised from the dead, but underscores the double connection we have Him.

He is our Lord. He is God and consequently He is our Master. His resurrection proves Him to be so! Cp John 20:16, 28, Phil 2:9-11. How little of this is recognized even by those who profess to ‘celebrate’ His resurrection.

He is our Saviour. Cp Matt 1:21. The resurrection is the capstone on the work of salvation. Cp Rom 4:25.

Mediatorial. The resurrection of Christ is presented here in terms of its impact upon us. He rose as our Lord Jesus. It was part of His mediatorial work. The resurrection seals/secures Christ to His people as God and Saviour. Cp Jn 14:19, Rom 6:3-4.

The great shepherd of the sheep. This expression also emphasizes that the work of God in Christ’s resurrection had implications for His people. Christ is seen here as the Shepherd at the head of a flock. It is an aspect of His greatness and magnificence that He is so. How completely the Lord Jesus is identified with His people! The relationship with His sheep give Him His identity and function as a Shepherd. He lives for them—to feed and rule them. Where He leads they follow. Cp 1Cor 15:20, Heb 6:17-20. The resurrection of Christ gives certainty and confidence about the way ahead for the sheep.

Through the blood of the covenant. Provision for the resurrection of Christ is made in the everlasting covenant. Cp Is 53:10. The blood of Christ ratifies and guarantees that covenant because it is the evidence of Him completing the conditions of the covenant, and so He is raised by the Father. His death secures all the benefits promised both to Himself and to His people. It must be so! Cp Luke 9:22.

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