He Is a New Creature
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking resurrection life, a new supernatural life that lifts us from nothingness into God, achieved through the cross.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound difference between being raised and being resurrected, asserting that the gospel teaches humanity must die to self and be resurrected into a new supernatural life. This resurrection is not merely an improvement but a complete transformation, making believers partakers of the divine nature and a new creation in Christ. Simpson encourages the faithful to embrace this resurrection life, which leads to true freedom and glory through the cross, mirroring the journey of Jesus.
Text
Resurrected, not raised. There is so much in this distinction. The teaching of human philosophy is that we are to raise humanity to a higher plane. But this is not the gospel. On the contrary, the teaching of the cross is that humanity must die and sink out of sight and then be resurrected, not raised. Resurrection is not an improvement, not elevation; it is a new supernatural life lifting us from nothingness into God and making us partakers of the divine nature. It is a new creation. It is an infinite elevation above the highest plane. Let us refuse anything less than resurrection life.
I am crucified with Jesus, And the cross has set me free; I have ris'n again with Jesus, And He lives and reigns in me.
This the story of the Master, Through the cross He reached the throne, And like Him our path to glory, Ever leads through death alone,
Sermon Outline
- The Distinction Between Resurrection and Raising
- The Nature of Resurrection Life
- The Path to Resurrection Life
- The cross sets us free
- Our path to glory leads through death alone
Key Quotes
“Let us refuse anything less than resurrection life.” — A.B. Simpson
“I am crucified with Jesus, And the cross has set me free; I have ris'n again with Jesus, And He lives and reigns in me.” — A.B. Simpson
“This the story of the Master, Through the cross He reached the throne, And like Him our path to glory, Ever leads through death alone,” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We must be willing to surrender and let go of our old life to achieve resurrection life.
- The cross is the means by which we are set free and given new life.
- Our path to glory and resurrection life leads through death alone, requiring us to trust in God's plan.