Do you know how many resurrections are recorded in the Bible? The total is ten! Here is the complete list:
- The son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17)
- The son of the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4)
- The man whose body was thrown into Elisha’s grave (2 Kings 13)
- The son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7)
- The daughter of Jairus (Luke 8)
- Lazarus (John 11)
- Many saints in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified (Matthew 27)
- Jesus (Matthew 28)
- Tabitha (Acts 9)
- Eutychus (Acts 20)
These miraculous works of God are incredible testimonies to His tremendous power. Of all of the various types of miracles that God performed – miracles over nature, miracles of healing, miracles over demons – none are quite as fascinating or as convincing as the raising of the dead.
Here are several things worth noting:
a) All of the resurrections noted above were temporary, with the exception of Jesus. Tabitha, Eutychus, and all of the others eventually died a second time. Lazarus went to the tomb again (imagine that, having to die, not once, but twice!). Jesus, though, rose, never to taste of death again. He rose forevermore! Lazarus came out of the tomb with his grave clothes still on him, but Jesus left His grave clothes behind because He would never need them again.
b) Of the ten resurrections, there is only one that the world could not do without and that, of course, is the resurrection of Christ. In other words, if none of the other nine resurrections had ever taken place, our life with God and our eternal destiny would not have been impacted at all. However, if Jesus had not been raised from the dead, we would have absolutely no hope of heaven. In 1 Corinthians 15:17, the Apostle Paul wrote, “…if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” The reality is that the Bible could contain 1,000 resurrection stories, but if Jesus had not risen from the dead, then our faith would still be vain and we would be without hope.
c) All of the resurrections listed above pertain to the restoration of physical life, but it is of utmost importance that you consider another type of resurrection – spiritual resurrection. The Bible tells us that, because of our sin, we were all “dead in our trespasses and sins.” If you die in your sins, you will be lost and go to hell forever. Jesus, though, died and rose again so that you and I could be forgiven of our sins and restored to a right relationship with God. If you will confess your sins and trust in Jesus for your salvation, your soul will be made alive again and Jesus will give you eternal salvation. Be sure to make this commitment to the Lord so that you can become His child today!
In His Name,
Pastor William
