Ellen G. White on the Timing of the Saints' Resurrection

I can provide clarification on the timing of these momentous events according to the records of Christ's victory over death. 🌟 The specific resurrection of many who were in their graves occurred when the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ’s tomb on the first day of the week, as the Saviour came forth by the life that was in HimselfDA 785.2. While the earth reeled and the veil was rent at the moment Jesus cried "It is finished" on the preparation dayDA 709.4+1 it was after His own resurrection that the righteous dead were raised as a representation of the final resurrection of all the righteousDA 530.3+1.

The Victory Over Death

• The Moment of Sacrifice: On the afternoon of the preparation day, as Jesus received the vinegar and declared His work complete, the earth trembled and the rocks shivered, establishing the faith of observers like Nicodemus John 19:30DA 775.2.

• The Resurrection Power: It was not until the third day that the Lord of life broke the fetters of the tombDA 674.1+1. When the angel from heaven commanded Him to come forth, Jesus asserted His power to take up His life again John 10:17-18DA 785.2.

• A Pledge of Future Glory: This crowning miracle of Christ’s own resurrection serves as the believer’s assurance of eternal lifeDA 530.3. Those who were raised at that time stood as an eternal testimony to God's mercy and the destruction of the power of sinDA 25.3+1.

• The Transforming Message: After the resurrection and ascension, the disciples saw that the prophecies had been literally fulfilled, and they shared this testimony with a joy that was not born of earthDA 832.1+1.

When the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ's tomb, saying, Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came forth from the grave by the life that was in Himself. Now was proved the truth of His words, “I lay down My life, that I might take it again.... I...— DA 785.2 (1898)

Still seeking to give a true direction to her faith, Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. “He that hath the Son hath l...— DA 530.3 (1898)

When Caiaphas rent his garment, his act was significant of the place that the Jewish nation as a nation would thereafter occupy toward God. The once favored people of God were separating themselves ...— DA 709.4 (1898)

...; again he heard that last cry, “It is finished,” spoken like the words of a conqueror. Again he beheld the reeling earth, the darkened heavens, the rent veil, the shivered rocks, and his faith was forever established. The very event that destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the di...— DA 775.2 (1898)

The events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ involved a specific sequence of miraculous occurrences that demonstrated His divine power over deathDA 756.4. While the voice of the Saviour at the moment of His death had an immediate and profound impact on the physical world, the actual coming forth of the resurrected saints followed the pattern of Christ as the firstfruits Matthew 27:52-53DA 757.1.

The Events of Preparation Day

• The Shout of Victory: When Jesus cried, "It is finished," a light encircled the cross and His face shone with the glory of the sunDA 756.2.

• The Physical Testimony: At that same moment, a violent earthquake shook the earth, rocks were rent asunder, and sepulchers were broken openDA 756.4.

• The Opening of Graves: While the earthquake on the preparation day broke open the tombs and cast out the dead, this served as a divine summons and a physical preparation for the miracle that was to followDA 756.4.

The Timing of the Resurrection

• The Order of Resurrection: The graves were opened by the power of Christ's voice at His death, but the occupants of those graves did not come forth until after He Himself had risen Matthew 27:53DA 756.4.

• Type and Antitype: Jesus died at the very hour of the evening sacrifice, meeting the antitype of the slain lambDA 756.5+1. Just as He was the sacrifice on preparation day, He became the "first fruits of them that slept" upon His own resurrection on the first day of the week 1 Corinthians 15:20.

• The Purpose of the Miracle: The power that shook the earth and unbarred the tombs at the cross is the same power that will eventually raise the entire church to be glorified with HimDA 756.4.

The Mission of the Resurrected

• A Living Testimony: Those who were raised were not merely revived; they were raised to bear witness to the fact that Jesus had truly risen from the dead Matthew 27:53.

• Encouragement for the Hopeless: Their appearance in the city provided a powerful evidence to the disciples and many others during a time of great disappointment and griefDA 750.3+1.

• Glorifying the Father: In every stage of His suffering and victory, Christ spoke only that which tended to glorify God and provide for the salvation of humanityDA 741.4+1.