Witnesses of the Resurrection
By Editor
As the coming of the Lord draws nearer, there seems to be a more determined purpose than ever before to occupy the minds of all so completely with the things of this world that there shall be no time to consider the things of eternity. “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” We may easily spend our whole time over trifles, the inconsequential details of the ordinary routine of life, and utterly neglect the glorious possibilities of a life of fellowship with heavenly beings—not a life of spiritual dreams and reverie, but of earnest endeavor as laborers together with God. Do not permit the earth to rob you of heaven. Witnesses of the Resurrection
THE resurrection of Jesus distinguished him from the mere philosopher, and placed the stamp of divinity upon his work as a revealer of the message of salvation. To be a witness of his resurrection is to be a witness of the power which makes alive those who are dead in trespasses and sins. Therefore when the eleven disciples chose one to take the place of Judas, they declared that “of these men which have companied with us . . . must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” On the day of Pentecost Peter said, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses,” and of their work in general it is recorded that “with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” This was the experience of the first generation after the advent of our Lord, and there is the same demand for witnesses of the resurrection in this last generation before the second advent. Not only is this true on general principles, but the need is emphasized by the fact that just now the resurrection of Jesus is being denied by some who profess to be his followers. We may be thankful that their denials do not change the fact, when we remember that “if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.” The most effective testimony to the resurrection of Jesus is borne by living the resurrection life. This is the experience of victory over sin. This is the experience of walking with God. This is the experience of knowing him, and “the power of his resurrection.” The faithful witnesses of his resurrection will soon enjoy the full fruit of all that was provided for them by the death and resurrection of the Son of God. “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection.”