John 20:1-10 THE RESURRECTION The Reality of the Resurrection: “He is risen”, not something like Him; “He is the first-fruits of resurrection”; “a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see Me have”, His resurrection was a literal resurrection. There were eye-witnesses: Mary, two on the road to Emmaus, Peter, then the ten apostles. A week later when Philip was there - the eleven apostles. The apostles went to meet Him at Galilee and there met with 500 brethren at once. He was seen visibly for forty days by all the apostles. He met with His brother, James, and then with Paul on the road to Damascus. The eleven watched His ascension into heaven from the mount of Olives.
The Reason for the Resurrection: The Lord Jesus Christ was “Raised again for our justification”, [Rom.4:25]. One of the reasons for which Christ died was, “That they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them and rose again”, [2Cor.5:15]. There was divine approval given to the Person and finished work of Christ, in that “God raised Him from the dead.” He was raised again by “the power of the Holy Spirit.” He said Himself regarding His life-giving power in relation to His own physical life, “I have power to lay it down, and I have power to raise it again.”
The Results of the Resurrection: Timid men were made bold [Acts 2:32] because they believed in a living Savior. Men were made resolute and strong as the Spirit of God gave power to the word they spoke. Christianity was made strong and spread to the far parts of the world and still goes on changing lives today. The way to heaven was made plain so no one needs to doubt their faith placed in the Lord Jesus Christ is in a real living Person. Salvation was promised, “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thy heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” [Rom.10:9.