THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 278

Paul, in I Corinthians, chapter 15 verse 3 said, "For I delivered unto you this message, which message I had also received, how that Christ died for our sin according to the scriptures, and that He was buried and rose again the third day." Yes, JESUS was crucified and hurriedly placed in a new nearby tomb. Hurriedly because the JEWISH GREAT SABBATH commenced at even - 6pm.

But as we realize from the scriptures, early in the morning whilst it was still dark and being the morning of the first day of the Week of Sabbaths, JESUS, had already risen from the tomb.

Mary, who had went to the tomb early observed that the stone which had blocked the entry to the tomb had been rolled away. She also noticed that another person was there who she thought to be the gardener. Mary asked this man if he knew where they had taken the body of JESUS. HE replied using her name Mary. She immediately recognized JESUS' voice wanting to touch Him. JESUS said to Mary, "Touch me not for I have not yet ascended."

This is the morning of the Third Day SINCE JESUS was crucified and buried! In the epistle, I Peter chapter 3 verse 18, we read that JESUS had, during the intermediate time descended. Whilst there JESUS preached to the spirits that were in prison. And in I Peter chapter 4 verse 6 we are given the reason why. That is, Jesus had went into the spirit world

I Corinthians chapter 15 verse 35 presents how the dead are to be raised. Verse 42 continues this point addressing the resurrection of the dead. Indeed, all of I Corinthians chapter 15 addresses the resurrection. You might want to read along in your Bible as we review this subject.

In verse 44 we read that we are sown in a natural body but we are to be raised a spiritual body. Just previous to this we read in verse 43 that the first Adam was made a living soul, whereas the (second) last Adam a quickening spirit -- JESUS, conceived of the HOLY SPIRIT. In verse 47, the first man was of the earth was earthy. Conversely, the second man is the LORD (HIMSELF) from Heaven!

Verse 50 continues by stating that flesh and blood CANNOT inherit the kingdom of God. Neither does corruption inherit incorruption. This explains why we shall all be changed. For this corruptible body MUST put on an incorruptible body and this MORTAL body must put on immortality.

Why is all of this important? First and foremost, Christ is risen from the dead. He became the FIRST FRUIT of them that slept (the sleep of death!) or the FIRST FRUIT OFFERING referred to in Leviticus chapter 23.

JESUS had a body when He arose for Mary was told not to touch Him. For as of yet, He had NOT ASCENDED. Later, that same day the First Day of the Week of Sabbaths, towards EVEN, JESUS entered into a locked door room. HIS disciples were terrified by His sudden appearance. They thought they were seeing a Spirit being. However, JESUS said to them Peace. “HANDLE ME” and see that a SPIRIT has NOT “FLESH and BONES" as you see I have.