In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, there was put forth nothing short of a divine power.
What shall we say of those who think that conversion is wrought by the
free will of man, and is due to his own betterness of disposition? When
we shall see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then may
we expect to see ungodly sinners of their own free will turning to
Christ. It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all
quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. This power was irresistible.
All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ
in the tomb; Death himself could not hold Jesus in his bonds: even thus
irresistible is the power put forth in the believer when he is raised
to newness of life. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners
upon earth, can stay the hand of God’s grace when it intends to convert
a man. If God omnipotently says, “Thou shalt,” man shall not say, “I
will not.” Observe that the power which raised Christ from the dead was glorious.
It reflected honour upon God and wrought dismay in the hosts of evil.
So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner. It was
everlasting power. “Christ being raised from the dead dieth no
more; death hath no more dominion over him.” So we, being raised from
the dead, go not back to our dead works nor to our old corruptions, but
we live unto God. “Because he lives we live also.” “For we are dead, and
our life is hid with Christ in God.” “Like as Christ was raised up from
the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life.” Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. The same power which raised the Head works life in the members. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ!
This devotion was taken from The Apostle's Bible app.
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