In due time these benefits will be made known to all, and all shall
recognize this wonderful truth. After the Lord has finished the
selection of the members of his body, which is called the church
(Colossians 1:18), then his merit or ransom-sacrifice will be presented
on behalf of the world of mankind and all will reap the benefits of his
resurrection. The foregoing Scriptures conclusively establish the
resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead.
[296]In St. Paul's day there were some who denied the resurrection, even
as it has been ever since. To meet their argument St. Paul wrote: "Now if
Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that
there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of
the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is
our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found
false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised
up Christ; whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For
if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and 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. If in this life only we have
hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen
from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
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