Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 2 (The resurrection).
My summary
Today Hodge teaches us about the resurrection.
After examining the Scriptures and the ideas taught by theologians, philosophers and other religions, Hodge gives a good summary of his conclusions: 'We have also seen that the Bible teaches nothing on this subject beyond (1.) That the body is to rise again. (2.) That its identity will be preserved. And (3.) That it is to be so changed and refined as to adapt it to the high state of existence to which it is destined. In this simple form the doctrine has ever been held by the Church, which is not responsible for. the fanciful theories adopted by many of its members.'
What grabbed me
I enjoyed Hodge's comments about the glorification of our bodies: 'The body is sown in dishonour, it shall be raised in glory. Glory is that which excites wonder, admiration, and delight. The bodies of the saints are to be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body. We shall be like Him when we see Him as He is. More than this cannot be said ; what it means we know not now, but we shall know hereafter. We already know that when the body of Christ was transfigured upon the mount, the Apostles fainted and became as dead men in its presence ; and we know that when He shall come again the second time unto salvation, the heavens and the earth shall flee away at the sight of his glory. Let it suffice us to know that as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Well might the Apostle exhort believers not to mourn for the pious dead, whom they are to see again, arrayed in a beauty and glory of which we can now have no conception.'
We have a glorious hope!
Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 3 (Second advent) by reading up to the heading '6. Antichrist'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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