Chapter 45—The First Fruits
[
This article appeared in the the Youth’s Instructor, August 11, 1898,
under the title “The Risen Saviour—Part 2.”
]
When Christ cried out while upon the cross, “It is finished” (
John
19:30
), there was a mighty earthquake, that rent open the graves of
many who had been faithful and loyal, bearing their testimony against
every evil work, and magnifying the Lord of hosts. As the Life-giver
came forth from the sepulcher, proclaiming, “I am the resurrection,
and the life” (
John 11:25
), He summoned these saints from the grave.
When alive, they had borne their testimony unflinchingly for the truth;
now, they were to be witnesses to Him who had raised them from the
dead. These, said Christ, are no longer the captives of Satan. I have
redeemed them; I have brought them from the grave as the first fruits
of My power, to be with Me where I am, nevermore to see death or
experience sorrow.
During His ministry, Jesus raised the dead to life. He raised the
son of the widow of Nain, the daughter of Jairus, and Lazarus; but
these were not clothed with immortality. After they were raised, they
continued to be subject to death. But those who came forth from the
grave at Christ’s resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They were
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the multitude of captives that ascended with Him as trophies of His
victory over death and the grave.
After His resurrection, Christ did not show Himself to any save His
followers; but testimony in regard to His resurrection was not wanting.
Those who were raised with Christ “appeared unto many” (
Matthew
27:53
), declaring, Christ has risen from the dead, and we are risen
with Him. They bore testimony in the city to the fulfillment of the
scripture, “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall
they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as
the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead” (
Isaiah 26:19
).
These saints contradicted the lie which the Roman guard had been
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