10. Under what illustration from nature are the resurrection and the final salvation of the righteous
taught?
Answer
"That which thou sows is not quickened, except it die." 1 Cor. 15: 36. "Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much
fruit." John 12: 24.
NOTES-The seed dies to spring forth into new life. In this we are taught the lesson of the
resurrection. All who love God will spring forth to life, and live again through endless ages in the earth
made new.
The Open Grave - In the city of Hanover, Germany is a tomb known as "the open grave." It is that
of a German countess, who died over a century ago. The grave was covered with a marble block,
surmounting large stones bound together with clasps of iron, with this inscription: "This grave, purchased
for eternity, must never he opened." But how feeble are all such devices! The Jews had confidence that the
grave of Christ was made secure by the Roman seal and Roman guard; and yet one angel, clothed with
resurrection power, rolled away the stone, and Jesus came forth. So with this grave in Hanover. It
happened, providentially perhaps, that a birch-tree seed fell into a crevice between the massive stones.
Soon it sent forth a tender sprout, and a tiny root found its way down between the ponderous stones.
Slowly and imperceptibly, but with irresistible power, the young birch grew, until at last its roots burst the
bands of iron asunder, and opened this securely sealed tomb, leaving not a single stone in its original
position. What a mute, but striking illustration of the promise that, erelong, in God's own time, all graves
shall be opened, and the sleeping ones awake from their dusty beds!
What, then, are the visible proofs of genuine justification by faith?
Were the gifts of the Spirit to continue forever?
What has ever been the theme of God's prophets?
What message announces the judgment hour come?
How long did he continue this work there?
What did Christ tell the rich young man to do?
With what are the twelve foundations adorned?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle