Some dispute that Jesus is alive. Others dispute his second coming as a hoax. Some also reject the truth that he is to judge the world. Many also deny God’s existence. Upon these rejections and denials, many have gone astray and surrendered their souls to the bondage of the devil. They are enticed with lives unworthy of God’s will. These nagging questions can be resolved with one proof, which is that Christ Jesus lives and reigns eternally or forever and ever.
In John’s revelation, Christ Jesus said in Revelation 1: 17-18, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, see, I am alive forever and ever; I have the keys of Death and of Hades. Revelation is one of the surest ways God speaks to us or reveals what is hidden in secret to us beyond our naked eyes and minds. The question is, of what purpose is a revelation, and must we receive revelation?
The purpose of a revelation
David said in Psalms 139: 15 my frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. He is thus confirming God’s omniscience to every event even beyond our imagination. Jesus also said of revelation in Mark 4: 22; Luke 8: 17, for there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. In effect, there are certain truths unknown to us and it is only God who can reveal the truth which is hidden from us.
God always reveals beyond our expectation. When God said in Isaiah 45: 3, I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places it was misconstrued to mean only physical wealth needed at the time. However, Jesus was the hidden treasure and riches of darkness in God’s secret place in heaven who Israel lacked knowledge of his existence. Jesus said in Matthew 4: 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned. Israel did not appreciate the expanse of Isaiah’s above prophecy.
Old testament revelation about Jesus
Israel did not appreciate Isaiah’s prophesy about Jesus’ birth many generations before Jesus was born. Isaiah 9: 6 says, for a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. By this revelation through Isaiah’s prophesy, Jesus who is described as Mighty God cannot die. Although he came into the world as a son yet he was the eternal Father hence again cannot die. If authority and counsel are upon him, then no authority including death can subdue him, hence he lives.
If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, then he lives to restore peace to our souls and to all chaotic situations. He said in John 14: 27, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give you as the world gives. To chaotic situations, he said in Mark 4: 39, “Peace! Be still!” The dead do not supervise internal or external peace anywhere but Jesus who lives does. It is therefore true by the scripture in Revelation 1: 17-18, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades. The dead do not speak nor hold keys to their ordeal.
New testament revelation about Jesus
We again confirm that Jesus lives as recorded in Revelation 2: 8, these are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life. If the words were that of Jesus, then he is not dead because the dead do not speak. Christ Jesus also preached to the dead in the spirit when he died. 1Peter 4: 6 says the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does.
This reveals again that even in death, and before he rose from the tomb, Christ Jesus was alive in spirit hence he said in John 11: 25, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. This statement suggests three important issues for our consideration, life and the grace to retain it comes from Jesus, who is life; those who die in him live on because he is the life; the living who believe in him will live on in the spirit because he never dies. We may have this privilege only whilst we are alive and can accept Jesus.
The fallacy of Jesus’ death
Many subscribe to the doctrine that Jesus is not alive because (a) there is no resurrection; and (2) that Jesus ended his life on the cross. The rejection of resurrection has been old even at the time of Jesus. Matthew 22: 23; Mark 12: 18; Luke 20: 27 some Sadducees came to Jesus, saying there is no resurrection; and asked him a question. Jesus answered them in Matthew 22: 29, “You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. Many of us still do not know scripture nor the power of God.
Jesus called such ignorance foolish to the two who he accompanied on the Emmaus road. Luke 24: 25 says then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared. Paul explained in 1Corinthians 15: 21-22, for since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. Christ Jesus is the first fruit of the resurrection and so shall those who follow him in truth. Jesus was dead, but now alive. Will we be alive with him when the trumpet calls on Jesus’ second coming?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we empty ourselves at thy feet at the cross. Be alive in our hearts to the splendor of your glory and honour. Save us from the fallacies and deceit which plunder our souls to eternal death. When we lift our eyes to the heavens, may we behold your glory. May your resurrection invigorate us to do our will so we may also live with you in eternity. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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