Ephesians 1:19, 20

In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, nothing short of a divine power was exerted. What shall we say of those who think that conversion is accomplished by the free will of man, and is due to his own goodness of disposition? When we see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then we may expect to see ungodly sinners turning to Christ of their own free will.

It is not the word preached, nor the word read, in itself; all life-giving power proceeds from the Holy Spirit. This power was irresistible. All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; Death itself could not hold Jesus in its bonds. Even so, irresistible is the power exerted in the believer when he is raised to newness of life.

No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners on earth, can stay the hand of God’s grace when it intends to convert a person. If God omnipotently says, “You shall,” man shall not say, “I will not.” Observe that the power which raised Christ from the dead was glorious.

It reflected honour upon God and caused dismay in the hosts of evil. So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner. It was everlasting power. Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath 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 to God.

Because he lives we live also. For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God. Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Lastly, in the text mark 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 made alive together with Christ!