FROM THE CHURCH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 31, 11 December 1950, Page 2

FROM THE CHURCH

KNOX PRESBYTERIAN

“Last of all,” Paul said, “He (Jesus) was seen of me.” This statement the great apostle made to a group of Christian believers in Corinth in the first century of our era. It completes a list of persons to whom the Saviour—who died for our sins according to the scriptures; and was buried—appeared, after His rising on the third day.

Paul is saying that the reality of the Resurrection cannot be denied and gives instances of various individuals or groups of men who had seen Christ after His rising. He appeared, Paul said to Cephas. That was the other name for Simon Peter whose testimony in this matter was invaluable. For Simon, under pressure of adverse circumstances, had denied his Lord with cursing and later, bitterly ashamed, had visited the scene of his disgrace. We can well imagine his self Loathing: But to him Christ came, seeking him and still loving him, and—amazingly enough—still trusting him. Simon the wanderer becomes Cephas—a rock of strength because Christ in resurrection power had come to help him. The rest of the disciples, including doubting Thomas, saw the risen Lord and were convinced—Thomas by thrusting his hand into the wounds of Jesus. . ,

If that evidence is not enough, Paul said, consider this. Over five hundred people at one time saw Christ after his rising; most of them then still being alive at the time of Paul’s writing. James, President of the Christian leaders in Jerusalem, had seen Jesus and so had all the apostles. It was no fallacy but glorious fact and transforming reality—these men had been changed from weakness in humbling defeat to confidence and strength not to be accounted for in any other way—it was the ppwer of His resurrection.

Paul has this to add and says in effect, “My certainty about a living Saviour and Lord does not rest alone on this convincing evidence. He appeared to me also. I encountered Him! While on my way to persecute Christ’s followers, He confronted me and I became His bond-slave henceforth to live for Him—to live yet not I but Christ that liveth in me.” With centuries of Christian history to support our faith, we in the life of the Church could scarcely doubt the truth of the Resurrection. In this Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper we believe that there is Communion-fellowship with an unseen but eternally real Saviour.

Let me urge the significance of Paul’s words “He appeared to me.’ It was that personal experience that had most weight of connection for Paul.

It was that, that would tell most in Paul’s witness to others who read or heard his testimony. Plainly, this is way of it. People are not convinced by “They say” as they can be by “I know.” Can we give our witness to a living Saviour and Lord. “He appeared to me. I know Him as my personal Saviour: He’s my Friend” ! God grant, that it may be so.