Monday, 18 April 2011
Friday, 15 April 2011
Thursday, 14 April 2011
The Concepts of Resurrection Power
According to Luther; In our time the resurrection of Jesus as historical fact has received a great deal of attention because of some views and group of people who with his demythologizing denied it as historical fact but valued it because of its existential value for faith. This approach was not totally without value since it has forced tradition-minded Christians to reexamine the Biblical evidence to find support forwhat Luther sees as the linchpin of Christianity. Our intention is not to direct Luther's view to the contemporary problem, but to
examine Luther within his own context. Luther's sermons on ICorinthians 15 deIivered in 1533 will be studied. Here the general resurrection and Christ's resurrection are discussed as a unit. We operate with a false view if we think that the denial of the resurrection is a contemporary problem. Bultmann's views are
basically nothing new. In the last century David Friedrich Straussstartled the world by asserting that all miraculous events in the New Testament were fabricated by the writers. What is startling isexamine Luther within his own context. Luther's sermons on ICorinthians 15 deIivered in 1533 will be studied. Here the general resurrection and Christ's resurrection are discussed as a unit. We operate with a false view if we think that the denial of the resurrection is a contemporary problem. Bultmann's views are
Luther's claim that the Roman officials of his day did not really believe this article on the resurrection. Denial of the resurrection is motivated by the devil. Luther says, "For the devil surely presses us hard and assails us and also great men with the temptation to disbelieve this article or to doubt it. Luther does not give us the details of this denial of the resurrection among Rorhan Church officials. Perhaps Luther sees the deniaI of the resurrection and of anything miraculous as a problem among church leaders in general without making a
specific personal reference. The denial of the resurrection among the laity is virtually nothing in comparison with its denial among the clergy, who through their preaching can influence their congregations. * Christians should not, however, be too surprised by the denial of the resurrection. The Corinthian congregation denied it, though it had St. Paul as its pastor. The denial of the resurrection is akin to the denial of the sacramental efficacy of baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Now, in Phil 3;10 Paul said, ''that i may know Him and the power of His resurrection and fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death'' - (NASB). Looking at the resurrection power in verse 10; To know HIM is more than merely to know a doctrine about Him. Believers are brought not only to redemption, but to the Redeemer Himself. The power of his resurrection--assuring believers of their justification ( Romans 4:25 , 1 Corinthians 15:17 ), and raising them up spiritually with Him, by virtue of their identification with Him in this, as in all the acts of His redeeming work for us ( Romans 6:4 , Colossians 2:12 , 3:1 ). The power of the Divine Spirit, which raised Him from literal death, is the same which raises believers from spiritual death now ( Ephesians 1:19 Ephesians 1:20 ), and shall raise their bodies from literal death hereafter ( Romans 8:11 ). the fellowship of his sufferings--by identification with Him in His sufferings and death, by imputation; also, in actually bearing the cross whatever is laid on us, after His example, and so "filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" ( Colossians 1:24 ); and in the will to bear aught for His sake ( Matthew 10:38 , 16:24 , 2 Timothy 2:11 ). As He bore all our sufferings ( Isaiah 53:4 ), so we participate in His.
made conformable unto his death--"conformed to the likeness of His death," namely, by continued sufferings for His sake, and mortifying of the carnal self ( Romans 8:29 , 1 Corinthians 15:31 , 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 , Galatians 2:20 ).
made conformable unto his death--"conformed to the likeness of His death," namely, by continued sufferings for His sake, and mortifying of the carnal self ( Romans 8:29 , 1 Corinthians 15:31 , 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 , Galatians 2:20 ).
Brethren and all believers may we all be sensitive about the power that resurrected Jesus from the death and be conformed in Him. In heavenly race there must be fellowship of suffering and remember that Jesus is our role model and we should follow his foot step.
As you read this articles may your soul be lifted up more in serving Him and knowing Him. Amen
Remain Blessed,
Nnennadozie Ministries
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