The Resurrection of the Dead.
Observe:
I. That the resurrection is exhibited in the Bible, not as the speculative truth which must be believed because taught, but with which otherwise we have no close concern: it is rather set forth as so intimately bound up with our salvation, that to prove it false were to prove the human race unredeemed. I look on the wondrous exhibitions of creative wisdom and might, and I gather from the magnificent spectacle witness in abundance that a resurrection is possible.
II. Consider the evidence which we have of the resurrection of Christ. When we show that the chosen witnesses proved by their endurances that they were not deceivers and that they enjoyed such opportunities of assurance that they could not themselves have been deceived, we seem to place the resurrection of our Lord, so far as testimony is concerned, beyond the reach of cavil. We feel that it was a scorn which nothing could justify and a hesitation which must yield so soon as evidence was examined, when we find it expressed in the words of the text, "When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter."
III. The grand characteristic of our resurrection bodies is to be the likeness of the glorified body of Christ. Whilst yet a wrestler with principalities and powers the believer in Christ is opposed by his own flesh, and all his corporeal senses take part with the foes who would withstand him as he presses on to immortality. But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, the body will be spiritual, not natural; regenerated flesh, sanctified matter; its every organ a minister of righteousness, its every sense an inlet for the majesty of God. Matter shall rival spirit in consecration to the Lord, and the very walls of the temple be instinct with holiness and breathe of duty.
H. Melvill, Penny Pulpit,No. 2553.
References: Acts 17:32-34. Homilist,vol. v., p. 369. Acts 18:3. J. Thain Davidson, Talks with Young Men,p. 47. Acts 18:9; Acts 18:10. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxvi., No. 1566; W. Braden, Christian World Pulpit,vol. ix., p. 68. Acts 18:9-11. Preacher's Monthly,vol. vii., p. 315.Acts 18:10. W. Baird, The Hallowing of our Common Life,p. 62.