Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) of John Newton (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon XLII (The general resurrection).
My summary
This week Newton preaches on: 'Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.' (1Co 15:51-52)
Newton looks at the resurrection of the dead, in the most pleasing view of it, for his text speaks only of those who shall change the mortal and corruptible, for incorruption and immortality.
Newton teaches us about:
I. The introduction, ' Behold I show you a mystery.'
II. What we are taught to expect, 'We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.'
III. The suddenness of the event, 'In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.'
IV. The grand preceding signal, 'The trumpet shall sound.'
What grabbed me
I liked the end of the sermon: 'Beloved, if these things are so, "what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness ?" Should we not "give all diligence to make our calling and election sure," that we may be found of him in peace ? He who will then be seated upon the throne of judgment, is to us made known as seated upon a throne of grace. It is time, it is high time, and blessed be God, it is not yet too late, to seek his mercy. Still the Gospel invites us to hear his voice, and to humble ourselves before him. Once more you are invited, some of you, perhaps, for the last time; how know you but sickness or death may be at the very door ? Consider, Are you prepared ? Examine the foundation of your hope — and do it quickly, impartially, and earnestly, lest you should be cut off in an hour when you are not aware, and perish with a lie in your right hand. '
Are you ready?
Next week's reading
Read Sermon XLIII (Death swallowed up in victory).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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