PLAIN ANSWERS FOR PROFOUND QUESTIONS
It is clear from portions such as Job 19:25-26 and Psalm 16:8-11 (Acts 2:25-32), that the Old Testament saints had an understanding of the doctrine of the resurrection. However, since the Holy Scriptures contain a progressive revelation, it is not until we come to this portion that a fuller revelation of this truth is given us.
Paul has dealt with the FACT of the resurrection. Now he is going to answer questions on the character of the resurrection.
I. THE QUESTIONS THAT MEN ASK REGARDING ETERNAL THINGS SHOW THEIR IGNORANCE OF GOD
Man’s limited knowledge regarding such matters as the resurrection stems from his spiritual darkness. Men would never ask some of the questions that they do were they not ignorant of God, Matt 22:23-33. This question arose after the Saviour had raised at least three people from the dead. It revealed their ignorance of the Scriptures and of the power of God. Herein lies the basis of all error.
II. SOME QUESTIONS ARE TO BE SEEN AS FOOLISH
The questions asked by those who are ignorant of God and His power Word tend to be stupid. The word fool means stupid, senseless. The knowledge of God tends to intelligence and wisdom. These questions would have been deemed most learned, denoting great thought but Paul calls the questioners foolish.
1. Some questions spring from a desire to learn. Such questions the Saviour welcomed and fully answered, Matt 19:25, 24:3-4.
2. Some questions are expressions of man’s unbelief. John 3:9, II Peter 3:3-5. For such there will be a strong rebuke like that issued by Paul.
III. THE ANSWERS TO MANY APPARENT DIFFICULT QUESTIONS ARE VERY SIMPLE
These are two of what men would consider the most profound questions yet see how obvious the answers are.
1. The common cycle of life provides us with the answer. Verse 36. Death must take place for life to begin. Again we see that the principles at work in God’s creation are illustrative of the principles which are at work in the higher regions of His spiritual kingdom.
2. There is a difference in that sown and that which grows. Verse 37. There is direct link between that sown and that growing but a wonderful distinction. The seed and the new growth are of the same essence but yet of distinct forms.