There is nothing worse than being disappointed by someone you trusted to keep their promise. Proverbs says, "To put one's trust in untrustworthy person is to experience the pain of a foot out of joint or a sore tooth. Whenever Jesus made a promise He kept it. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he die, he will live with Me eternally." The following are iimportant implications that we can appropriate because of Christ's powerful resurrection promise for everyone who will believe and understand the truths surrounding His resurrection from the dead.
1. Consider the implications of the prophecies concerning Christ's resurrection
A. The Lord used Jonah as an example to reveal Christ's future resurrection. (Matt. 12:40)
B. The Lord revealed the resurrection to the Jews when He said, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will restore it." (John 2:18-21)
C. The Lord revealed the resurrection to His disciples to give them hope and confidence in His almighty power. (Matt. 20:17-19)
2. Consider the implications of the early events of Christ's resurrection day
A. The women came with spices to anoint Christ's body to show that the Lord uses anyone willing to come to Christ first. (Mark 16:1)
B. The women were the first to find the stone removed from the grave indicating that God rewarded them with the testimonial power of being able to break the big news. (Luke 24:2,3)
C. The women loved Jesus so much that they believed He would overcome all obstacles - even death
3. Consider the implications of Christ's resurrection being announced by an angel
A. The angel came from Heaven and rolled the stone away to show God's mighty power easily disposes with any problems when heaven is one the side of the Godly. (Matt. 28:2)
B. The angel knew the women were the first ones to seek out Jesus indicating that angels are able to come to the aid of those who seek Him and His kingdom first. (Matt. 28:5)
C. The angel announced the Lord's resurrection indicating that credibility is highest when it comes from heaven's authority. (Matt. 28:6)
4. Consider the implications of Mary Magdalene's love for Christ
A. Mary was on the outside of the tomb weeping because she did not know where they had laid her Lord. Faith waits on the Lord despite the uncertainties of circumstances. (John 20:12,13)
B. Mary was rewarded for her desire to be with the Lord by the angel's visitation.
C. Mary was able to meet with the risen Lord first because of her undying love. (John 20:14-17)
5. Consider the implications of the women who declared the resurrection to the world
A. God is not prejudice about who He uses for His greatest ministries. (Matt. 28:8)
B. God is eager to use anyone who is willing to believe Him for His great promises and processes
C. God is eager to use the weak to shame the wise.
6. Consider the implications of the resurrection's chief purposes
A. The resurrection gave completion to the whole gospel of Christ's death, burial and resurrection
B. The resurrection gave all believers justification by faith
C. The resurrection assures every believer of their own resurrection from sin, death and deliverance from hell and its punishing judgments.
7. Consider the implications that great men of faith were given a commission after Christ's resurrection
A. After Christ's resurrection He said, "You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Christ could assure them of all power because of His resurrection
B. After Christ's resurrection He said, "Go into all the world and make disciples of all people groups." Christ's resurrection gave the disciples assurance that Christ's power was universal.
C. After Christ's resurrection He said, "Teach everyone to obey all of my commandments." (Matt. 28:18-20) Christ's resurrection assured the disciples of success if they only followed His plans.
8. Consider the implications of Christ's ascension into heaven
A. Christ's ascension happened in the midst of many witnesses so that no one would doubt His claims. Acts 1:9
B. Christ's ascension ascended into heaven to be seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. No one should doubt that Christ is God. Jesus said, "I and the Father are one."
C. Christ's ascension assured us that as He left so He shall one day return for His believers. (Acts 1:12)
9. Consider the implications of Christ's priesthood in heaven
A. Christ's continually intercedes for us with great prayers in heaven as we trust Him for our deliverance.
B. Christ is an unchanging priest that lives to make intercession for those who come boldly before the throne of grace that we may find mercy and grace in our time of need.
C. Christ is forever true, faithful and holy and just in a world that is filled with trouble and pain.
