There Will Be a Resurrection
The sermon emphasizes that the resurrection of Christ is proof of a future resurrection, and that this process is demonstrated in the natural world through the cycle of day and night and the growth of seeds into fruits.
Clement of Rome preaches about the continuous proof of a future resurrection through the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the first-fruits. He urges believers to reflect on the ongoing resurrection happening daily, as seen in the cycle of day and night and the process of sowing and reaping. Just as seeds are dissolved in the ground and raised up by the providence of the Lord to bear fruit, so will believers be raised to new life in the future resurrection.
Text
Let us consider, beloved, how the Lord continually proves to us that there shall be a future resurrection, of which He has rendered the Lord Jesus Christ the first-fruits by raising Him from the dead. Let us contemplate, beloved, the resurrection which is at all times taking place. Day and night declare to us a resurrection.
The night sinks to sleep, and the day arises; the day [again] departs, and the night comes on. Let us behold the fruits [of the earth], how the sowing of grain takes place. The sower goes forth, and casts it into the ground; and the seed being thus scattered, though dry and naked when it fell upon the earth, is gradually dissolved.
Then out of its dissolution the mighty power of the providence of the Lord raises it up again, and from one seed many arise and bring forth fruit.
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Proof of a Future Resurrection
- The Resurrection as a Natural Process
- The Cycle of Day and Night
- The Growth of Seeds into Fruits
Key Quotes
“Let us behold the fruits [of the earth], how the sowing of grain takes place.” — Clement of Rome
“The sower goes forth, and casts it into the ground; and the seed being thus scattered, though dry and naked when it fell upon the earth, is gradually dissolved.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We can trust in the power of the providence of the Lord to raise us up again, just as He raises the seeds into fruits.
- The cycle of day and night reminds us that constant change and renewal are a part of life, and that we can expect to be raised up again in the future.
- The growth of seeds into fruits teaches us that even from a single seed, many can arise and bring forth fruit, demonstrating the potential for growth and renewal in our lives.