John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,… I. THE EVIDENCE BY WHICH IT IS ESTABLISHED. 1. The express declarations of the commissioned servants of God (Hebrews 9:19; Job 19:25-27; Psalm 16:9-11; Isaiah 26:19; Hosea 13:14; Daniel 12:2; Matthew 27:52, 53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Corinthians 15:1). 2. Our Saviour's own resurrection. If Christ did not rise, our faith is vain; if He did, He can raise us, and His resurrection is a pledge of ours. 3. Let this evidence produce on your minds its legitimate impression, and banish all uncertainty. 4. The folly of scepticism will appear when we consider that this is in harmony with reason. For admitting God's infinite power, this is not impossible; and granting His infinite goodness, it is certain. II. THE AGENCY BY WHICH IT SHALL BE ACCOMPLISHED. 1. By hearing Christ's voice. The archangel's trumpet is a symbol of that in its awakening power. 2. The mode is uncertain, but Christ has innumerable resources of which we have no knowledge. III. THE IDENTITY OF THE BURIED WITH THE RAISED. 1. If new bodies were produced they could not be said to come out of their graves. The word "resurrection" suggests something different from a new creation. Besides, it would be contrary to equity that one body should do good or evil and another be rewarded or punished. 2. Still "we shall all be changed," but not so as to lose our identity. The glorified Christ is the same Jesus as "the Man of sorrows." We shall be like Him, yet the same persons that we are now. IV. THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE ACT. V. THE IMPROVEMENT. The subject suggests — 1. A powerful motive to seek an interest in the Christian salvation. We must all die; and if we have not been saved we shall rise to the resurrection of damnation. 2. Comfort under the loss of near and dear relatives. 3. Confidence in the prospect of our own dissolution. (P. Grant.) Parallel Verses KJV: Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,WEB: Don't marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, |
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