I. Why Did Jesus have to die?
Answer: In order that He die as a man, He had to be born and live as one. He came to earth as a man but was God incarnated (Immanuel—God as man). He came to save us, literally from ourselves and this filthy world in which we live. He came to teach us, not only by His Word but also by His actions. He was sinless and yet died on the cross for our sins; that we might be saved from eternal separation and what He called a “Second Death.”
He came also to prove all of those things foretold of Him in the Old Testament and there are over 300 predictions that concerned Him that He fulfilled. The others will be fulfilled soon and deal with the “End Times.”
He came to demonstrate His power and that there was eternal life through Him. He was proof of that because He would not stay dead. He rose from the grave after three days and eventually went back to Heaven where He is seated with God the Father.
II. Wasn't the body stolen?
Answer: No. There is plenty of proof that He rose from the tomb and that is why the tomb is empty. In 1
Corinthians 15:4-9, Paul tells us that He rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures (that had foretold that exact thing), and then He was seen by numerous people at different times. At one point, more than 500 people saw Him as a group. Peter saw Him, James saw Him, the Apostles saw Him and finally, Paul saw Him on the road to Damascus.
The guards at the tomb of Jesus witnessed angels and the stone being rolled away from the tomb and reported what they saw to the High-Priest of the Jews in Jerusalem. In Matthew 28:11-15, we are told that they were paid off and instructed to tell everyone that the body of Jesus had been stolen. The Jews still believe that lie and many non-Jews do as well.
What do you believe?
III. Where then is the body of Christ?
Answer: Jesus ascended into Heaven after being sighted by more than 500 people. He left instructions for His disciples that they were to spread His Gospel. He now sits on the right-hand of God the Father in Heaven.
IV. What is He doing up there in Heaven?
Answer: He has much to do. In John 14:2-3, we were told by Him before He left us, that He would be preparing a place in Heaven for you and I. But, He also left us with the Holy Spirit, who listens to Jesus and does with us what He is commanded to do by Jesus Christ Himself.
He also has command over many, many angels—millions of times millions and more. You and I have at least two angels watching over us. In Psalm 91:11, King David told us that He will give His angels charge over us—to keep us in our ways.
V. So, am I going to keep this body when I die?
Answer: No. In 1 Corinthians 15:50-52, Paul tells us that in the “twinkling of an eye” we will all be changed. The dead will also be made incorruptible as will we. The flesh and blood cannot enter the Kingdom of God; hence we will be given heavenly bodies much like that of Jesus. In Matthew 17:1-2, Peter, James and John witnessed Jesus on a mountain top and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and His clothes were as white as the light.
VI. Other religions can’t all be wrong, right?
Answer: Wrong! Those religions all worship man-made “gods” with a little “g”. They are false gods. In Genesis 1:1, we are told that “in the beginning, God created the Heavens and the earth.” That’s with a Big “G” and there is only one of Him.
No other religion, explains how the Heavens and earth were formed and when. Our Bible has the only detailed account of the creation days. He is the LORD, our God and is a “jealous God” according to Exodus 20:2-5. He warns us there, not to bow down to any “god”, little “g”. We are to have no other gods before Him.
Jesus told us that there is only one way to the Father and one way for anyone to get to Heaven and it was through Him. In John 14:6, He said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” That pretty much wraps that up. He is telling us to forget the other religions for they will not get you to Heaven.
Is it worth the risk?
VII. But, what are my choices—certainly I have choices?
Answer: You are right. You have two. Believe in Him or reject Him. If you believe in a religion like Hinduism or Islam, you have rejected Christ Jesus which is a decision which is not in His favor or yours.
We will all live forever someday. Your decision about Christ will determine your final destination. In Revelation 20:12-15, we are told about a “Lake of Fire.” Those whose names are not written in the “Book of Life” (those who have not chosen Him as their Savior), are thrown into the “Lake of Fire” where they will be tormented forever and ever (eternal damnation). He calls this the “Second Death”, however those who find themselves there will wish they could die to end the torment and punishment but there will be no rescue; no end.
VIII. What happens to me when I die?
Answer: It depends on whether you have been saved. If you are saved—if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, your spirit will go to Heaven. It will be there with God, Jesus, the angels, your family and many, many saints.
However, if you have made no choice or have chosen not to believe in Jesus Christ, you go to Hades or Hell (same place). I, and many other Christian scholars believe that this place is at the center of our earth where it is very, very hot. It is a place that God has designed for those who disobey Him. The fallen angels are there, but that is another sermon. There you will be until the “Great White Throne of Judgment” where you will bow down to our LORD and be served with His judgment, that being eternal separation from Him in the “Lake of Fire.”
Is it worth the risk?
IX. Will I recognize anyone’ like my parents?
Answer: Yes. In Matthew 28:9, Jesus’ disciples recognized Him, wrapped their arms around His legs and worshiped Him. Then, in Luke 16:23, we are told about a rich man who was able to see a poor man, Lazarus, and Abraham (Father of us all), in Heaven. Moses and Elijah were recognized by the three Apostles present on the Mount of Transfiguration, so I am convinced the answer is “yes.”
In closing, I pray that you will choose wisely. It takes only but a minute for you to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. You need only to ask Him into your heart. Tell Him that you believe He is the Son of God and that He died for your sins. Admit to Him that you know He was risen on the third day and now sits in Heaven on the right-hand of your God. Tell everyone that on this day, you have been saved and that you know where you are going! Praise God. Thank you Jesus. Amen
