Aug 29 2008
Both Are Needed to Raise the Dead
This is illustrated by the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:17-44).
Standing outside the tomb that contained the body of Lazarus, Jesus gives some specific and pointed instructions:
Here we see an example of that desired cooperation God seeks between the Savior and the soul winner in raising dead sinners to newness of life. Jesus issued three commands in accomplishing this miracle. The first and third were directed toward the friends of the corpse, while the second was given to the corpse itself. Note:
1. ”Take ye away the stone” (John 11:39). The job of the soul winner is to first remove all human barriers so that Christ can come in direct contact with a lost person.
2. ”Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43). Only Christ, of course, can do this.
3. ”Loose him, and let him go” (John 11:44). In a word, this speaks of discipleship, that is, ministering to the new convert.