Ephesians 1:19

“The exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe
       according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought
       in Christ, when he raised him from the dead.” 
              — Ephesians 1:19

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!

On this day…

• Isaiah 45 – 2024
• Isaiah 44 – 2024
• He who meditates – 2011
• The Eternal Wonder of Three Simple Words – 2011
• Fighter Verses – 2011
• Don’t Eat the Bread of Anxious Toil – 2011
• Does God Make Much of Us? – 2011
• Did Christ Die for Us or for God? – 2011
• United with Christ in Death and Life, Part 3 – 2011
• Representative democracy – our contribution – 2011