The man most well known for the grievous trials he faced asked this question– “If a man dies, will he live again?” (Job 14:14 a). If answered from one’s own view or understanding, the response will vary (ranging from the belief in purgatory or rebirth or to the annihilation of the soul).
One truth we can all agree on– death is no respecter of persons. It comes to everyone–the wise, the fool, the rich, the poor; and when it comes, it stings. The separation it creates between loved ones brings pain. It brings grief. While some may choose to end their own life, we can all agree that most people view death with fear or as a hateful enemy.
How does the Bible respond to this worldview question? First, the Scriptures explain how death entered into the world. Genesis 3:17-19 and Romans 5:12 make clear that death is the result of man’s sin against God. However, according to the Scriptures, man’s death is not the end.
In John 11, an account is given about a man named Lazarus who was close to the heart of Jesus. News of his sickness reached Christ but He chose to come to Lazarus only after he had died and had been dead 4 days (John 11:1-15). When Christ arrived at Bethany where Lazarus was laid, He was approached by Martha, Lazarus’ sister (John 11:20-21), whose words indicate that though she believed Christ to have a special relationship with God, she did not understand Him to be the One able to give life to the dead (John 11:22-24).
In response, the Lord Jesus declared with authority that He is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25, 26). This declaration of Christ concerning Himself is one of the seven “I AM”’s found in John’s Gospel (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9; 10:11; 11:25, 26; 14:6; 15:5; Cf. Exodus 3:13, 14). Christ was persecuted for these “I AM” declarations (John 6:41-42; 8:13; 8:48-59; 10:19-21; 10:31-39).
To my knowledge, no person in human history, except the Lord Jesus Christ, has ever claimed exclusive authority over life and death. John’s Gospel makes clear that through the Word (referring to Christ per John 1:14-18), all things were created; “In Him was life” (John 1:1-4). Therefore, His raising Lazarus from the dead is plain evidence that He is the source of life (John 11:38-44; Cf. John 1:3-4).
Christ’s power over death was further evidenced by His own resurrection. Discouraged and distraught, the disciples thought that their beloved Master was no more, having been crucified and buried. They failed to remember the words of their Master concerning His suffering, death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:18-19; Luke 9:21-22; 24:25-27; John 12: 27-36).
A real look at the evidences will point to only one conclusion–Christ’s resurrection was no hoax. Many witnesses attested to (and faced martyrdom) on the basis of this fact (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) which became the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Just how significant is the resurrection of Christ and what does it entail? Paul made clear that without the resurrection of Christ, our preaching and faith would be useless; we would still be in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). However, because Christ, in fact, did rise from the dead, every believer can look forward to a glorified body (Christ being the example or first fruit) (1 Corinthians 11:20). Moreover, as Paul reveals in his epistle, there are those who will not experience physical death; their corruptible body will be transformed (1 Corinthians 11:50-57). This revelation echoes what Christ said to Martha in John 11:26. In view, therefore, of Christ’s resurrection, we should faithfully press on with our service for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
How are you today? Are you still searching for an answer? Why not read the Bible and discover for yourself the person of the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Resurrection and the Life. He is your only hope if you want to live eternally in Heaven!
May the Good Lord open the eyes of your heart to the Truth.
