TENTH STUDY
The Forty Days of Resurrection
From the Resurrection to the Ascension of Christ
I. The Necessity of Christ's Resurrection. Strange as the resurrection may appear to men in general, and unexpected as it was to the disciples of Jesus, it was the necessary completion of his work on earth.
1. It was necessary from the nature of Christ. A divine man, it was impossible that he should be held in the grave (Acts 2. 24). His resurrection showed that he was the Son of God (Rom. 1. 4).
2. It was necessary for the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus himself declared that the prophecies pointed to his resurrection (Luke 24. 45, 46). The apostles constantly appealed to the Old Testament prophecies (Acts 13. 34, 35; 26. 22, 23; 1 Cor. 15. 4).
3. It was necessary for the work of redemption. He lived as our example, and he must appear before God as our high priest and mediator (Rom. 4. 25; 8. 34; 1 Cor. 15. 17).
4. It was necessary for the faith of the disciples. If Christ had not risen the world would never have heard of his life and the church would never have existed (1 Cor. 15. 19, 20; 1 Pet. 1. 3).
5. It was necessary to attest Christ's authority. But for the resurrection the name of Jesus could have possessed no more weight than any other name. Raised from the dead he has all power (Matt. 28. 18; Acts 13. 33; 17. 31).