KING of GLORY Illustrated Study Guide

Now think about Jesus’ death and resurrection. As the Lamb of God, He shed His pure and precious blood for us on the cross to save us from God’s righteous judgment. But what if He had not risen from the dead? The Scripture (1 Corinthians 15:17,19-20) says: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. … If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But now Christ has been raised from the dead ….” Indeed He has! (Read the next endnote.) 5 The evidences for Jesus’ resurrection from the dead are numerous and convincing. The tomb was empty. The corpse was nowhere to be found. The women were the first to witness the empty tomb, hear the angel’s announcement, see Jesus alive, touch Him, and speak with Him. If the Gospel records had been invented, do you think the four men who wrote them would have given the women credit for being first in everything?! The documented post-resurrection appearances of Jesus were many. For decades to follow, hundreds of credible witnesses would testify to having walked and talked with the risen Messiah. The disciples had seen Jesus suffer and die. They were heartbroken. Their hopes had been dashed because they had the mistaken idea that the Messiah could never die. They had returned to their homes disheartened and afraid. Then something happened. They saw Jesus alive. Suddenly they remembered how Jesus had told them He would be crucified and rise again the third day. At last they understood the words of the prophets. These former cowards became Christ’s bold witnesses. —From One God One Message (P.D. Bramsen), p. 260 Here is what the Holy Spirit inspired the apostle Paul (called “a former terrorist” in Scene 37) to write about God’s provision of salvation: “The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. …For [the Scripture says,] “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Romans 10:8-9,13 NLT) . Have you believed God’s message in your heart? Have you openly declared that Jesus is LORD? Have you called on His name? Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD invincible in battle! Who is the King of glory? The LORD Almighty—He is the King of glory! — P salm 24 (P rophet K ng D avid ) 170 171