(The Holy Spirit) 21. THE SPIRIT OF THE RESURRECTION -- Ezekiel 37: 8
A.B. Simpson reveals how the Spirit of resurrection breathes life into dry bones, symbolizing God's power to revive both individuals and nations through the Holy Spirit.
In this expository sermon, A.B. Simpson explores Ezekiel 37's vivid vision of dry bones to reveal the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. He explains how the Spirit breathes resurrection life into what is dead, both nationally and personally, illustrating the hope and renewal available through God's Spirit. Simpson connects this Old Testament prophecy to the Christian experience of baptism and resurrection in Christ, encouraging believers to trust in the Spirit's power to revive and restore.
Text
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Rom. 8: 2. "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that hath raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." Rom. 8 : 11.
The thirty-seventh chapter of Ezekiel is one of the most remarkable exhibitions of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, because it introduces with great clearness and definiteness the doctrine of the resurrection.
This truth, beyond all others, is characteristic of the system of redemption. It might be called the patent sign of the Gospel. Far more than the Cross, the symbol of baptism expresses the fundamental idea of the Christian religion; for, while the Cross speaks only of death, baptism tells also of resurrection and life.
This truth, foreshadowed in many Old Testament passages, and doubtless underlying the teaching of all the prophets, is brought out here with great distinctness, and makes the passage one of the marked ones of Old Testament revelation.
1. THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES. First, we have the vision in the valley of dry bones. This is not a vision of the resurrection proper, but rather of a special resurrection. The prophet is taken in the spirit into the valley of dry bones. It is the scene of some ancient battle, where he beholds around him the skeletons of the fallen army, and, lo! they are very many, and, lo! they are very dry.
A generation has passed since they fell. The flesh has long ago withered from the skeletons, and the bones lie bleached and withered under the open sun. Suddenly the question comes to him, "Can these bones live?" And his wise answer is "Lord Thou knowest." Then there comes to him; first, the command to prophesy unto the bones, proclaiming to them the Word of the Lord, and announcing to them that they shall live. And, lo! there comes a noise and a shaking; and bone cleaves to his bone, and they assume the forms of men; but still there is no breath in them.
Then a second time the Word of the Lord comes to him, commanding him to prophesy unto the breath of life to come from the four winds and breathe upon these slain that they may live; and, lo! as he prophesies and commands, the spirit of life to come into these lifeless forms, there is a quivering moment, as the life passes into every frame, and they spring to their feet and stand before him a mass of living men, an exceeding great army.
2. THE APPLICATION OF THIS TO ISRAEL AS A NATION. God does not leave the prophet in doubt as to the meaning of the vision. Its first and immediate application is to his people. They were mourning over their national ruin and saying, "Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost; we are cut off for our parts." But he tells them that the voice of God is yet to come to them; that the power of His Spirit is yet to breathe upon them; that even shattered and hopeless Israel shall revive; and that the nation shall spring to life once more and return to their own land to resume their place in God\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones
- Prophet taken in spirit to a valley of dry bones
- Bones represent a long-dead army, very dry and lifeless
- Command to prophesy life to the bones begins the resurrection process
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II. The Breath of Life
- Second prophecy commands breath to enter the lifeless forms
- Bones come together and muscles form but remain lifeless without breath
- Spirit of life enters and the dead stand as a living army
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III. Application to Israel
- Vision symbolizes national revival of Israel
- God promises restoration despite despair and hopelessness
- Spirit will breathe life into the nation to restore its place
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IV. The Spirit of Resurrection in Believers
- Spirit of life frees from sin and death
- Resurrection power available through the Holy Spirit
- Christian baptism symbolizes death and resurrection life
Key Quotes
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” — A.B. Simpson
“The prophet is taken in the spirit into the valley of dry bones... Suddenly the question comes to him, 'Can these bones live?' And his wise answer is 'Lord Thou knowest.'” — A.B. Simpson
“There is a quivering moment, as the life passes into every frame, and they spring to their feet and stand before him a mass of living men, an exceeding great army.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Trust in the Holy Spirit's power to bring new life even in seemingly hopeless situations.
- Embrace baptism as a symbol of your death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ.
- Allow the Word of God to breathe spiritual vitality into areas of your life that feel dry or dead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the valley of dry bones represent?
It symbolizes a state of spiritual death and hopelessness, often applied to Israel's national ruin and also to individual spiritual renewal.
How does the Holy Spirit relate to resurrection?
The Holy Spirit is the agent who quickens mortal bodies and brings spiritual life, as shown in the resurrection of Christ and believers.
Why is baptism important in this sermon?
Baptism symbolizes not only Christ's death but also His resurrection, representing the believer's new life through the Spirit.
What is the significance of prophesying to the bones?
It demonstrates the power of God's Word and Spirit to bring life to what is dead and hopeless.
How can this sermon encourage believers today?
It reminds believers that no matter how lifeless or hopeless their situation, the Spirit of resurrection can bring new life and restoration.