Questions Answered in This Article
What does the Bible say about raising the dead?
The Bible emphasizes that only Jesus, as the resurrection and the life, has the power to raise the dead.
John 11:43-44
What does the Bible say about raising the dead?
The Bible teaches that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, who has power over death.
Moreover, this event serves to affirm the truth of sovereign grace theology, which underscores that it is God alone who brings the spiritually dead to life. The story illustrates that human efforts or religious duties cannot accomplish what only Christ can do. Just as Lazarus could not raise himself, those who are spiritually dead cannot choose to come to life apart from the effective call of Christ. Therefore, the confidence we place in Jesus is rooted in His sovereign authority as the giver of life and not in our own capabilities.
John 11:25-26
How do we know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
Jesus' claim as the resurrection and the life is validated by His own resurrection and His authority over life and death.
John 11:25-26
How do we know the resurrection of Christ is true?
The resurrection of Christ is affirmed through multiple eyewitness accounts and the transformative power it brings.
Furthermore, the transformative effect on the disciples and the rapid growth of the early church serve as compelling evidence for the resurrection's truth. Men who were once fearful and in hiding became bold proclaimers of the Gospel, risking their lives for the truth they witnessed. This drastic change can only be explained by the reality of the resurrection, affirming God's sovereign plan of salvation through Christ. Our certainty about this doctrine rests not only on historical evidence but also on the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, causing them to experience the reality of the risen Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:6
Why is faith in Christ important for Christians?
Faith in Christ is essential as it is the only means through which we receive spiritual life and salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16
Why is faith in Christ important for Christians?
Faith in Christ is essential for salvation and spiritual life, uniting believers with God's grace.
Moreover, faith in Christ is vital because it transforms every aspect of a believer’s life. It is through faith that we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, as highlighted in Romans 6:4, which proclaims, 'We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.' This union with Christ signifies that through His resurrection power, believers can live transformed lives, bearing fruit in the Spirit. Thus, faith is both the entry point into salvation and the sustaining force for a life of obedience and spiritual vitality.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:4
I perceive four strong men on their journey toward Lazarus' grave, for the purpose of raising him to life. One of them, who is eminent for his piety, says, "I will descend into the grave, and will take with me a bowl of the salt of duties, and will rub him well with the sponge of natural ability." He enters the grave, and commences his rubbing process. I watch his operations at a distance, and after a while inquire, "Well, are there any symptoms of life there? Does he arise, does he breathe, my brother?" "No such thing," replies he, "He is still quiet, and I cannot salt him to will – and besides this, his smell is rather heavy."
"Well," says the second, "Come you out; I was afraid that your means would not answer the purpose; let me enter the grave." The second enters, carrying in his hand a whip of the scorpions of threatening; and, says he, "I will make him feel." He directs his scorpion and fiery ministry at the dead corpse; but in vain, and I hear him crying out, "All is unsuccessful; dead he is after all."
Says the third, "Make room for me to enter, and I will see if I cannot bring him to life." He enters the grave, and takes with him a musical pipe; it is melodious as the song of love; but there is no dancing in the grave.
The fourth says, "Means of themselves can effect nothing, but I will go to Jesus, Who is the resurrection and the life." Immediately he leaves to seek for Christ, and speedily returns, accompanied by the Savior. And when the Lord came, He stands in the door of the sepulcher, and cries out, "Lazarus, come forth!" And the dead body is instantaneously instinct with life.
Let our confidence be in the voice of the Son of God. And let us turn our faces toward the wind, and say, "O breath, come from the four winds, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live!"
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