A Basic Precondition
The sermon emphasizes the essential nature of Christ's physical resurrection for Christian faith and salvation.
Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the essential belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ for Christians, contrary to the views of some. He highlights that accepting Christ's resurrection is a basic precondition for salvation, as stated by Paul in Romans 10:9. Hughes clarifies that Christ's resurrection was physical, not just spiritual, as evidenced by His body bearing the wounds even after rising from the dead. He underscores the significance of Christ's physical resurrection for the assurance of salvation and the hope of believers' own resurrection.
Text
"They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)" (v. 9)
For reading & meditation:
John 20:1-18
The late Bishop John Robinson stated: "The resurrection of the body of Christ is no essential belief for Christian people, and it would make no difference to their faith if the Lord's body had been flung into the Valley of Hinnom, like those of the malefactors, to disintegrate among the rotting corpses." Such a statement flies in the very face of Scripture. Paul wrote: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe ... that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Rom. 10:9, italics added). Here Paul makes it crystal clear that acceptance of the fact that Christ rose from the dead is a basic precondition for being a Christian. But what exactly do we mean by resurrection? "Spiritual survival" is how the liberals in the church define it. But it was not just the spiritual part of Jesus that continued after the tomb - it was the total Christ. True, His body possessed additional powers and properties, but the physical frame which housed His spirit after He left the tomb was the same one that was nailed to the cross. "See my hands," He said to doubting Thomas, "put [your hand] into my side ... and believe" (John 20:27). Eric Sauer, a writer and Bible teacher, makes the point: "Just as our Lord's body was capable of transfiguration without losing its identity, so it was capable of disfiguration without losing its identity." Make no mistake about it, our Lord's resurrection was a physical one. If it wasn't, then there is no salvation.
Father, if I am not sure of the resurrection how can I be sure I am saved? However, I am sure, for I live in a resurrected Christ. Since He was resurrected, I know I shall be too. Death has been conquered. Hallelujah!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the necessity of Christ's resurrection - The implications of denying the resurrection - Scriptural foundation for belief in the resurrection
- II points: - The distinction between spiritual and physical resurrection - The identity of Christ post-resurrection - The significance of Christ's physical body
- III points: - The impact of resurrection on salvation - Personal assurance of salvation through resurrection - The victory over death through Christ
Key Quotes
“If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe ... that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Selwyn Hughes
“See my hands, ... put [your hand] into my side ... and believe.” — Selwyn Hughes
“Death has been conquered. Hallelujah!” — Selwyn Hughes
Application Points
- Reflect on the significance of Christ's resurrection in your personal faith journey.
- Share the importance of the resurrection with others to strengthen their understanding of salvation.
- Live in the assurance that, just as Christ was resurrected, you too will experience resurrection and victory over death.