Is the Resurrection Real or a Myth?

N.T.#254  "Is The Resurrection Real or a Myth?"

Feb. 29, 2024 

Matthew 22-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Are there things we wonder about heaven? Will we have our physical body the same as it is now on earth? Will we be floating around like angels? 

The Sadducees did not give up on their endeavor to discredit and humiliated Jesus. (Keep in mind that they did not believe in the resurrection.) They questioned Jesus about a hypothetical scenario where a man dies, leaving no children, so the brother of the man is obligated to marry his sister-in-law, raising their children unto the brother's name. Even if it took 7 brothers to marry the widow before they have children, then whose wife would she be in the resurrection, all 7?

Deuteronomy 25:5 says this is to be the Jews' practice. The widow was not to marry outside the family. The Sadducees were making a mockery of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. Their problem was not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God. (verse 29)

LET IT GROW 

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. (verse 30)

This was Jesus' answer. 

The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. (Acts 23:8)

So the sad Sadducees believed that:

• the soul perished with the body and the concept of resurrection was a myth;
• denied the existence of angels and demons;
• didn't believe in heaven and hell or eternal judgment and rewards;
• believed obedience to God brought blessing in this life and disobedience brought retribution in the here and now;
• there was no life after death or bodily resurrection.

What three theological truths contrasted the Sadducees' beliefs?

1. The dead physical bodies will indeed rise.
2. The discontinuity between our present relationships and those in the afterlife-no marriages.
3. The nature of the afterlife-the resurrected one will be like angels in heaven. (verse 30) Angels are ageless, tireless, and deathless, delight in worship and service to their Creator. (Swindoll)

God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. (verse 32)

I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. (John 11:25-26)J

Jesus is the key to it all. Dying physically does not put an end to our life, for believers will have it eternally with Jesus.

Do you believe in Jesus? He is the only way to heaven.

LET IT GO

Glory to God on High, who provided the way for us sinners to join Him in heaven forever!