Witnesses Inside the Gospel of Resurrection (Mark 16:14-20)
Witnesses Inside the Gospel of Resurrection (Mark 16:14-20) 4/20/2025
The history of Christ is the center of all human history. World history is divided into B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini) because statistical evidence shows that Christ had the greatest impact on humanity.
- Fundamentally, the resurrection contains three premises.
1) It is evidence that Christ is the only one who can save human beings.
① Only the Creator has the power to come back to life from death. Since the first man Adam, only the Creator can resurrect from sin, curse, and judgment.
② By resurrecting, He showed the evidence that He is the Son of God (Romans 1:4), and God Himself (Colossians 1:15–16). No one else in history has died and risen for us — only Christ. Thus, He alone, as the one who is sinless, could redeem us and become the unique way to salvation.
2) Resurrection is the blessing that came through Christ’s atoning death.
① Without His death for our sins and curses, there would have been no resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:17). When Satan plotted to kill Christ on the cross, he could never have imagined the resurrection would follow.
② Even when evil was used for evil purposes, it opened the way for all people to be set free from sin and curse. This is why even when we endure Satan’s attacks or unjust suffering, the blessing that God prepared lies ahead.
3) God had promised this through the Old Testament long ago.
① Through countless events, He led people to hold onto the covenant of resurrection, which Christ ultimately fulfilled (Job 19:25–26, Psalm 16:8–11, Matthew 12:38–41, Ezekiel 37:1–10). The resurrection didn’t happen by chance. It was the fulfillment of the covenant God prepared before time. That’s why we live today holding onto God’s covenant.
② When the disciples lost hold of this covenant, they denied Christ in the face of suffering and fled in fear. In verse 14, even after the resurrected Jesus appeared to them, He rebuked their unbelief.
- Through this resurrection, three transformations came to us (what we now have).
1) A new life (new identity) given by the resurrected One (Romans 6:4). Our old selves died with Christ and we were resurrected anew with Him. Precisely speaking, the resurrected and living Christ is now within us through the Spirit (1 John 5:11–12). This is the original life God intended in creation (Genesis 1:27–28, 2:7).
2) A new status He gives by being with us (Ephesians 2:16–19). We are no longer enemies of God. We are now His children, household, people, and workers He will use for His purpose. This is where we must restore our highest dignity, pride, and confidence to not be deceived (scars, reality, relationships, world). With this identity, we become happier and more fulfilled than anyone (Romans 8:17 “heirs”).
3) Power and authority that come from this identity (1 Peter 2:9). We are the chosen people. This is the authority of the ones selected for God’s eternal plan (John 14:12–14). A royal priesthood is the authority to overcome the enemy (power of king) and save and bless others (priest). A holy nation is the authority to enjoy God’s kingdom and heavenly background on earth (Luke 17:21, Matthew 12:28, Romans 14:17). There’s no need for fear or despair. Use this resurrection power and authority to battle death and darkness (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).
- To be used in this way, we must hold onto and enjoy three blessings.
1) Since we have gained a new life, we must grow and be healed spiritually (Ephesians 4:13–14, 4:22–24). The way to grow is through God’s Word, worship, and church life.
① The Word is like spiritual food (1 Corinthians 3:1–2). What you hear and meditate on changes the imprints your brain.
② Worship is a time of standing before the God of the heavenly throne, and it’s where we can tangibly experience those blessings of the throne. Being in the flow of worship, every praise, prayer, and offering builds up before the throne.
③ Church life is where we enjoy the blessings of a spiritual family. God did not only give us physical family. This is where loneliness, pain, and weakness are healed and strength to overcome the world is gained (Ephesians 4:31–32). If this blessing isn’t enjoyed at home, we are prone to fall out in the world (the fall of posterity begins at home).
2) With this strength, we go out into the world to save it (evangelism and missions). The resurrected Lord commanded us to preach the gospel to all people (16). With what power?
① Power of having faith in the resurrected Christ. “These signs will accompany those who believe” (17–18). “In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” He works upon our faith in the living Christ that is in us.
② Faith in the fact that He ascended and now sits on the throne (19–20). It means He is the one that rules, judges, and gives life to all creation and humanity. When we believe in this and fix our eyes on Him, we see works that transcend time and space and the power of light and the Holy Spirit.
③ At that time, even the dead will rise, and the broken and defeated will be restored (works of re-creation). Though we are weak and lacking, God recreates us with the power of resurrection (Moses, David, Peter, Paul).
3) This resurrection will come to us as eternal resurrection. He rose first to show that resurrection is real.
① Resurrection will come to all people. Death is not the end. Some will be resurrected for judgment, and others for eternal life (John 5:29). This truth hits hardest when facing death.
② Our bodies will be transformed into glorious spiritual bodies. In the new heaven and new earth, eternal life will continue. Without this future, life becomes meaningless and pitiful. Those bodies will have no tears, pain, or disease, and they will transcend time and space and have authority over creation. At that time, God’s people will reign with Christ in the new heaven and earth (Revelation 22:5).
Conclusion – Resurrection is a new beginning, the power of re-creation, and power of victory. God has given us this gospel of resurrection. With it, may you overcome the forces of darkness attacking you, your family, descendants, and church, and stand as eternal witnesses of the resurrection.
4.20.25 Witnesses Inside the Gospel of Resurrection