The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is a great fact, one which we must apply to ourselves. In the book of Acts it is dealt with as a fact—a fact from which none can escape its application. Though it have its twofold force and meaning, men are to know how it addresses itself to each, and none can elude it.
Resurrection is thus set before us, even as, at creation, the sun was set in the heavens and all the creation of God had to do with it. Who could pluck the sun out of the heavens?
The glory seated itself in the cloud, and Israel must know it there and have to do with it there (Ex. 13:21-22). It may conduct them cheerfully, or rebuke and judge them. But there it is in their company, in their midst, and the camp in its different conditions must have to do with it.
Consider too the budding rod (Num. 17:8). It is brought out from the sanctuary to the camp, and the camp must accept its presence. It is there, a fact none can deny. But whether they will use that fact obediently and taste the fruit of the service of God’s anointed One or rebel to their own destruction is another thing. The budding rod speaks both of judgment and mercy.
So, too, Christ in the world that Satan had usurped through subtlety was also a fact. None could deny or rid themselves of its force. Satan shall know it, and men shall be blessed by it or find in it their guilt and judgment enhanced. The kingdom of God had come—they must accept that as fact.
Just in this manner is the present great fact of the resurrection. Jesus is risen and exalted—He is ascended and glorified. Men might as well try to pluck the sun from the heavens as to try to escape the application of this fact to their condition—whether that be repentance or unbelief.
Thus in Acts, Peter opens that ministry taking the resurrection of the Lord as his text (Acts 2:22-36). He exhibits that great fact in its judicial and in its saving power. Peter’s fullest interpretation of it is found in the house of Cornelius when he preaches that Jesus is set of God both for judgment and for salvation (Acts 10:42-43).
Paul does the same as Peter, in his ministry, interpreting the resurrection to both heart and conscience. At Antioch he preaches the forgiveness of sins upon it. But he solemnly warns that being careless or indifferent to it will surely bring judgment (Acts 13:16-41).
To man as man, the resurrection speaks of judgment. It witnesses a solemn collision between God and man, and God is on the side of man’s Victim. God has glorified the One whom man denied and crucified. God is stronger than man, and man must be overthrown in such conflict, judgment falling on him that is opposed to God.
To the broken, confessing sinner, resurrection speaks of salvation. It witnesses God’s satisfaction in that atonement for sin which Jesus offered. If God is satisfied, who can condemn? God witnesses the efficacy of the death of Christ for all who believe—who shall lay anything to the charge of such?
Thus we see the resurrection speaking both of judgment and mercy—as man either looks at the cross of Christ with a believing heart, or despises and slights it. Thus it speaks to us whether we will hear or forbear. To enjoy it as the salvation of God, we must personally and livingly by faith be brought into connection with it. But if it be slighted all our days, at the end it will bring itself into connection with us, whether we will or not.
If we do not now by faith use a risen Jesus and get the virtue that is in Him, He will visit us by and by, and that, too, with the judgment that will then be in Him. No deprecation will then avail—now, seeking will avail.
In the book of Acts we learn that God has taken out of man’s hand the very weapon of his fullest enmity against Himself and used it for man’s eternal blessing! If man despises such goodness, he must answer to God for having taken that weapon into his hand. Solemn thought!
The sword that man was using in hostility to God, God has turned as into a plough-share, whereby to get for man the Bread of everlasting life. Joseph of old was sold by his brethren—but Joseph sold became an instrument and channel of life to them who had sold him. Their very wickedness was turned of God to their blessing.
J. G. Bellett