If a man die, shall he live again?

​​You might be surprised that the Bible speaks abundantly about what happens after death, including a future resurrection, or a literal rising of the body from the dead.

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:28-29) 
 
God’s word states that there are only two eternal states after this resurrection. Either the lake of fire (a place of eternal punishment and suffering) or eternal bliss with God in the new heaven and new earth. (Rev 21:4,8)

But what makes the difference between these two places? To understand that you must know something about the character of God.

God is Holy and Just

The Lord has always done good and always will. And yet, we see a world filled with depravity and destruction. Why is that? The answer is sin, which flows from the heart of man ever since he first rebelled against his Creator. In Genesis we read of man’s creation, his rebellion against God, and how the world has never been the same since. Yet God will not let thousands of years of man’s sins, nor your own sins, go unpunished because He is just. No one “gets away” with anything in the end. 
God “hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31).
That is why comparing yourself to the mirror of God’s law is so important. It shows you your need to be reconciled to God. Please take a moment to look into the mirror of God’s law and see yourself more as God sees you.
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Have you ever taken God’s name in vain? Many use God’s name as a curse word, or to express disbelief or frustration. The Bible says the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain.

Have you ever lied? If so, that makes you a liar in God’s sight.

Have you ever stolen anything, regardless of its value? If so, that makes you a thief.

Have you ever lusted after a man or woman, looked at pornography, or had sexual relations outside of marriage? These are all violations of God’s law regarding sexual purity.

Have you ever hated others within your heart? Have you always put God first? Do you ignore His commandment to keep the Lord’s Day holy?

God's word says, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10) Where do all these questions leave you before a Holy God? Are you innocent or guilty? 

The Bible shows a glimpse into man’s heart this way: “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” (Ecc 8:11) Further God says, “These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself” (Psalm 50:21). This is the very essence of idolatry: making a god to suit yourself. You might say, “My God would never send anyone to hell.” Or “My God will overlook my sins because I’ve tried to be a good person.” Almost everyone thinks they are good enough to go to heaven. God's Word says something entirely different. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10). If God overlooked your sin or the sins of others He would be unjust. Because God is good and just He will punish all liars, thieves, adulterers, murderers, blasphemers, and more according to His perfect standard of righteousness.

​The Scriptures proclaim: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (I Corinthians 6:9-10). God says, “the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Eze 18:4).

Hope for Sinners

While God’s Word declares that all who sin shall not enter The Kingdom of God, it also describes God's mercy and power to save from both the penalty and the power of sin. It gives hope to lost sinners with words such as these “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (I Corinthians 6:9,11)

There is only one answer: someone must stand in your place and take the punishment you deserve. But who could accomplish such a thing? The answer is found in this wonderful truth:  
…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15)
But who is this Savior of sinners? Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, left heaven and came into this world to save those who could never save themselves. He took on the flesh of humanity, being born of a virgin woman, and He lived a sinless life of perfect obedience before God. And yet, though sinless, He was crucified on a cross and killed. Why would God allow His own perfect Son to suffer and die in such a way? 

​The answer is found in Isaiah chapter 53: 
He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities...” (Isaiah 53:5) 
We broke God’s law but God intervened by sending His Son Jesus Christ as a substitute. He bore the wrath of God for sinners who would trust in Him. Right before Christ died He said, “It is finished.” The debt was paid. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Co 5:21). But why? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16) But how can we know this is all true? The answer is that Christ rose from the dead.

The Resurrection of Christ

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day… And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once” (1 Corinthians 15:1-6).

Christ’s resurrection from the dead proved that He is indeed the Son of God, with all power and might, and that what the scriptures say concerning Him is true. It means there is a savior of sinners. It means that you can be reconciled to God and your sins forgiven based on the work and merit of another. Salvation is of the Lord, and through Jesus Christ alone.
Jesus said, “…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). The scriptures declare that “we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Col 1:14)
God has declared in His Word that salvation is through the Person and Work of The Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says that we receive that free gift of salvation through the means of faith, or believing on Christ (and not trusting in our own works). “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Dear friend, where will you be?

The resurrection of Christ is true. Your resurrection someday is certain. Friend, will you be in the resurrection to everlasting life or the resurrection to eternal damnation? Heed the warning of Jesus, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3). Consider the verses: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:22). Don’t delay, go to Him even now for He said, “…him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

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