"But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him" (Acts 2:24).

This last weekend believers around the world rejoiced in the resurrection of Jesus Christ; the foundational fact of our faith. However, it so common during this season to also hear the latest, faddish pronouncements from "modern scholars", who reject the historical, Biblical record. I consider the apostate bishop from an older mainline denomination who denies the literal bodily resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and has a novel new theory.  These articles are common around this time of year especially as our unbelieving world is confronted with the message of Christ.*

In our daily verse Peter is preaching to the curious crowd on the day of Pentecost.  Fifty days earlier he was among the first witnesses to the greatest event in history.  Apostolic preaching emphasized the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was and ever will be at the very heart of the Gospel. A faithful witness will always, "earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 3).

Peter, who had infamously denied the Lord at His trial, now makes a great statement of faith.  "It was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him."  He surely recalled the teaching of Jesus he had heard time after time.  Early in His ministry Jesus had said "destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" (John 2:19).  After Peter had made his great confession of faith, Jesus clearly taught that He would "suffer many things, be killed, and be raised again the third day."  Even his enemies were aware of the claim and had made provision for a guard at the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66).

But no paltry Roman guard was going to stop this Event!  Death had forever lost its sting.  But be assured that heretics will continue to espouse their apostate views.  

Today we indeed serve a risen Savior.  Let us rejoice in this truth and live for the One who once died and now lives forever, for it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him!  It is for this truth that we must earnestly contend!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

* It's distressing that these heretics still have credentials with and are ultimately funded by many mainline denominations that at one time contended for the apostolic faith.  However in my observation many of the grassroots clergy and lay membership still hold to the faith.

Here is a book I recommend concerning this topic: