Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

September 8– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“…the exceeding greatness of [God’s] power… which he performed in Christ when he raised him from the dead.”

—Ephesians 1:19-20

In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, there was put forth nothing short of divine power. What do we say to those who think that conversion is brought about by the free will of man and is due to the best part of a man’s own disposition? When we see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then may we expect to see ungodly sinners of their own free will turning to Christ. All life-awakening power proceeds from the Holy Spirit.

This power was irresistible. All the soldiers and the high priests—even death itself– could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb. In the same way, this irresistible power is put forth in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners upon earth can hold back the hand of God’s grace when it intends to convert a man. If God omnipotently says “You will,” man cannot say “I will not.”

Notice that the power which raised Christ from the dead was glorious. It brought glory to God. So, too, there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner, for it is a display of God’s everlasting power. “Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more; death has no more dominion over him.” So we, being raised from the dead, do not go back to our dead works nor to our old corruptions, but we live unto God. “Because he lives, we live also.” “For we are dead, and our life is hidden with Christ in God.” “Just as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Take special notice of the union of the new life to Jesus. The same power which raised the Head works life in the members. What a blessing to be resurrected and alive together with Christ! [M&E]