Systematic Theology II The Doctrine of Christ The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ Good timing with the approach of Easter

The Resurrection and Ascension are Inseparable “The resurrection indicated God’s approval of the righteousness or merit earned by Christ’s obedience that can be imputed to believers so that they can ‘become the righteousness of God in Him’ (2 Cor 5:21). But, such approval also needed the exaltation and acceptance of Christ after His resurrection for such righteousness to be valid and forever efficacious in justification” (McCune, p. 221).

The Resurrection of Christ Biblical Proof of the Resurrection of Christ Various Prophecies and Allusions – Both Jesus (Luke 24:13-27) and Paul (Acts 26:22-23) appealed to the OT as they taught on the resurrection. Psa 16:10 – In its own context, David is speaking of the Lord’s preserving his life in the midst of trouble. But Peter applies it in a heightened way to the resurrection of Christ (Act 2:25-31). Later, Paul would also appeal to this text at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:33-37). Isa 53:10-12 – Isa 52:12–53:13 is the clearest OT teaching on the passion and death of the messiah. Vv. 10-12 presuppose Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Isa 53:1-9 describe Christ’s death in great detail; vv. 10-12 speak of what He will be after death.

The Resurrection of Christ Biblical Proof of the Resurrection of Christ Predictions and Claims of Christ Himself (John 2:19; 10:17-18; 11:25; Luke 9:18-22). The Nature of the Resurrection of Christ A Miracle - “…by its nature and significance, the resurrection was the most important miracle of all time, and its occurrence is never questioned in Scripture, despite the feeble attempts of the unbelieving at the time, as well as later critics, to disprove it” (McCune, p. 224). A Corporeal Body – The Scripture is indisputably clear that Christ’s resurrection was a bodily resurrection. The same body that went into the tomb is the one that came out of the tomb (John 20:27; Acts 1:3; 10:40-41; 1 Cor 15:3-7). Yet His resurrection body had certain powers that His earlier body did not (Luke 24:31, 36-37). Christ’s bodily resurrection is the guarantee of the bodily resurrection of all those who believe in Him (1 Cor 15:20).

The Resurrection of Christ The Importance and Necessity of the Resurrection of Christ The Qualification of an Apostle Christ’s apostles were the foundation of the Church and the first proclaimers of the Lord Jesus Christ. As such, they had to be eyewitnesses of both His pre- and post-resurrection body (Acts 1:21-22). The Subject of Apostolic Preaching The resurrection is at the heart of apostolic preaching in the Book of Acts (Acts 2:23-24; 3:14-15; 13:26-31; 17:30-31). The Content of Saving Faith An essential truth of saving faith is the resurrection of Christ from the dead (Rom 10:9).

The Resurrection of Christ The Importance and Necessity of the Resurrection of Christ The Regeneration of Believers Spiritual life is only possible because of Christ’s victory over sin and death (Rom 6:4; 1 Pet 1:3). The Resurrection of Believers The hope of our future resurrection is based solidly on Christ’s own resurrection (1 Cor 6:14; 2 Cor 4:14). The Basis of Justification Christ was “delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification” (Rom 4:25). The first statement gives the reason for Christ’s death, the second the reason for His resurrection. Put another way, Christ was put to death on for the sake of our sins and raised for the sake of our justification.

The Ascension of Christ The Fact of the Ascension – Jesus Christ ascended bodily back to heaven whence He came (Acts 1:9). Anticipated Jesus made several statements about His future ascension during His earthly ministry (e.g., John 7:33-34; 8:21; 14:1-3; 16:5). Reported The Disciples were eyewitnesses to Christ’s ascension to heaven (Luke 24:50-51). Confirmed By Stephen (Acts 7:55-56) By Paul (Acts 9:4-5) By John (Rev 4:1; 5:6) The Nature of the Ascension “Like His resurrection, the ascension of Jesus was personal, literal, and bodily, and it took place on a day on the calendar within the natural order” (McCune, p. 235). Both conversations in John 7 and 8 are with Israel’s religious leaders. His second coming will be in the same form as His ascension.

The Ascension of Christ The Results of the Ascension Confirmed Christ’s Truthfulness Christ’s ascension back to the Father’s right hand confirmed His absolute truthfulness in all He claimed to be, particularly before Israel’s religious leaders (e.g., Dan 7:13-14; Matt 26:64). Enabled Christ’s Present Session The ascension brought Jesus to the Father’s right hand, where He intercedes on behalf of His people (Heb 7:25; 1 John 2:1) Gave Believers Access to God Christ’s passing through the heavens to an eternal priesthood gives believers access to the throne of God in time of need (Heb 4:14-16). Read Daniel 7 first

The Ascension of Christ The Results of the Ascension Guaranteed an Enlarged Ministry for Believers Christ promised that His followers would do greater works than He did (John 14:12). These greater works must be connected both to Christ’s atoning work and the coming ministry of the Spirit. What are they? They must be the spiritual work of proclaiming the Gospel and seeing people come to faith through its power and the work of the Spirit. Conferred Authority, Honor and Glory on Christ This was a new glory in that it was now upon the God-Man, Jesus Christ (John 17:5; 1 Pet 3:22). Guarantees Believers an Entrance into Heaven Jesus is our forerunner into heaven (Heb 6:19-20). Consider how the church has grown from 120 followers in Jerusalem to a worldwide entity.

Next Time: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit The Personality and Deity of the Holy Spirit