Hebrews 6:1-2, Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

INTRODUCTION

            The resurrection of the dead is central to the theme of Christianity. Once

            again, we can see the importance of knowing and understanding this doctrine

            by the fact that it is listed in the “first principles of the oracles of God.”  

            Therefore, it is imperative that this foundational stone be in a sure place in our lives.

We have considered that the resurrection is constantly attacked and how Jesus raised people from the dead. Resurrections took place through Old Testament Prophets and the early church. The Resurrection of Christ is at the heart of the gospel!

Now let’s look at the Biblical facts of resurrection as it relates to our journey of faith…

I.         RESURRECTION...PRODUCES HOPE

            A.   It Produces Hope.

                        1.  Hope Beyond Today. I Corinthians 15:12-19…If there is no resurrection…

                                    a.  But He Arose…and We Have Hope! 

                                                1)  The Promise. Isaiah 53:10, Matthew 16:21, John 2:19, 

      John 10:17-18, John 11:25, Matthew 12:40

                                                2)  The Proclamation. Acts 3:15, Acts 4:8-12, Acts 17:30-31, 

      I Thessalonians 1:10, Ephesians 1:19-23, I Corinthians 15:3-4

                        3)  The Power. Revelation 1:8, Revelation 1:17-18

a)  Why It Is Fought. Colossians 2:9-10, 2:15,

     Philippians 2:9-10

II.        RESURRECTION…PRODUCES PROMISE

            A.   It Produces Promise.

                        1.  The First of Many! I Corinthians 15:20-23  

                                    a.  Christ…The First Fruits (a beginning of sacrifice).

                                                1)  Fallen Asleep (dead). By man came death (Adam).

                                    b.  Christ’s…At His Coming. Promise! Amos 6:3, II Peter 3:3-4,9. 

Song of Solomon 2:10-13, Acts 1:11, John 14:1-3, I Thessalonians 4:16- 18, I Thessalonians 1:10, I Corinthians 15:51-55, Titus 2:10-13, Revelation 22:20, Revelation 4:1-2, Revelation 22:4!

III.       RESURRECTION…PRODUCES MOTIVATION

              A.   It Produces Motivation.

                        1.  Advantage. I Corinthians 15:32 

a.  Beasts at Ephesus? (Acts 19:23-41)  

b.  What Advantage? (to heap up, accumulate or benefit, profit)

                        1)  Because of the Resurrection…there’s eternal benefits…

IV.       RESURRECTION…PRODUCES REWARD

            A.   It Produces Reward.

                        1.   I Corinthians 15:35-38  

                                    a.  Be Steadfast. (settled) Colossians 1:21-23  

                                    b.  Be Unmovable. (only usage in the NT) [cannot stir to a place 

     elsewhere, i.e., cannot remove (fig.): cannot move away.]

                                                1)  Faithfulness.

                                    c.  Always Abounding (to superabound, be in excess, excel, increase, 

     overflow). Romans 15:13, II Corinthians 8:7, II Corinthians 9:8, 

     I Thessalonians 4:1 

1)    In the Work of the Lord. [a cut, toil (as reducing the strength), 

pains: labor, trouble, weariness]

                                                2)  It is not in Vain! (empty)

CONCLUSION

            Without question, the resurrection of the dead is paramount to the Christian

            faith...and fundamental in doctrine to the believer!