The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1944-04-07


eff there be no resurrection OF the
dead, then is Christ not risen: and
if Christ be not risen, then is our
preaching vain, and your faith Is
also vain" Il Cor. 1918, 1G.
In other words, the truth OF the
resurrection is an indispensable
foundation stone upon which the
structure of Christian doctrine rests.
Beware of those who would spiritu-
alize or explain it away!
The facts are there-fully proved
and dependable; there is no need
for doubt or question.
In our lesson we find:
1. The Great Change wv. n-5O.
Since it is obvious that our present
bodies are not suitable for the spir-
itual world ". SOY, and that there
comes, sooner or later (and al
most always, it seems, too soonD,
an end to their existence, there
must be a radical Transforming
change. This takes place in the
resurrection of the body.
To make such blessed-and to
the human mind, almost inconceiv-
able-truth clear, Paul uses the eff
fective method of comparison and
contrast. Following his skillful use
of the illustration of the sowing OF
grain, which dies that it may live
again Il Cor. 15:35-39), he gives us
q picture of the resurrection body.
That which we must put away in
the silent earth at the end of life's
day is natural body, weak and lack
ing eternal glory ". 43). 1t has al
ready shown the evidences of decay
and corruption, which we know shall
be completely manifested in short
time. Marvellous as it has been as
an earthly body, it cannot go with
us into eternity wv. At, 48), for it
is natural and not at home in the
spiritual world.
Note, then, the great change that
takes place. In the resurrection, the
body for the eternal activity OF the
believer stands out as glorious, in
corrupt and incorruptible, powerful,
spiritually quickened, and heavenly.
What more could be said?
Here we stand amazed and at the
same time encouraged by the reve-
lation of what God has in store for
us who believe on Christ. Death
does not end all-it is only the be-
ginning of real fullness of life and
usefulness for the Christian.
And all that is because Of
II. The Great Victory (vv. 51-5D.
Death is an enemy, indeed mans
great enemy. There are those who
have tried to deny that fact, to ex-
plain it away. They talk about death
as "the great adventure" etc., but
when one actually comes to face it,
the truth is realized. It is an enemy.
But in Christ, death is a con-
uuered enemy. The blessed mes
sage of Easter day is that death
is swallowed up in victory ". 54).
Death could not hold our Lord ".
SD, and He was the "first fruits Of
them that sleep" ". 20). This as
sures us that because He lives, we
too, who believe on Him, shall live.
So death has lost it's sting, and
the grave it's victory ". 56). With
Paul we cry out today from the
depths of our beings, Thanks be
to God, who giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ" ".
57). This is a day of joy, of singing,
of victorious faith.
But the Joy of Easter is not SIM
ply something to warm ones heart.
It is
iii. The Great Incentive ". 58).
Living for Christ and serving Him
in this world is our greatest privi-
lege, but we are all so human that
we need encouragement. We need
an incentive.
The Bible speaks much of the re-
wards of God to those who are
faithful, and gives many assurances
that we are not engaged in a vain
task. At times it seems as though
men only reject, and the work of
the Lord moves but slowly, if at all.
Let us not be discouraged or dis
heartened. We follow and serve
victorious Christ, One who has tri-
umphed over death and hell. What
we do for Him is never done in vain.
Note the helpful thought here. We
are to be 'unmovable," and yet
Astounding" That seems paradox
cal, but it is not, for it is only the
life steadfast and unmovable at the
center which can abound at the
circumference.
That center is the resurrected
Christ, and when we are established
in Him, we are ready to live the
abundant life for Him.
Easter is a glad day for believ-
er, but it is a sad day for the UNI
believer. He may attempt to MAIN
tain an outward appearance of joy,
but he will know in his heart that
the message of the day is definitely
not for him. And yet it is, for today
he may by faith take as his Saviour
the Risen One and enter into full
ness of joy in Him.
So many people celebrate" Eas-
ter all their lives, year after year,
but never truly keep the feast"
May many such friends make this
Easter dav. 1914. the beginning of n