The Prophecy of The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Psalm 16:10 – “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”

David prophetically writes this verse. He explains the resurrection which at the time this writing had not yet occurred. He gives the writer a prophetic glimpse into the future. God will not allow the body of Jesus Christ, lying in the grave, to become corrupted in Sheol. The word Sheol is a Hebrew word. This word means grave, hell and pit. It denotes Hades or the world of the dead.

David revealed His foreknowledge that God would not allow His Son to remain in the disembodied state. Though He entered Sheol, He did not remain there. God did not allow the usual process of decomposition to take place. By a miracle of preservation, Christ’s lifeless body was kept from corruption for three days and nights.

This prophecy is revealed in the context of it’s full meaning in Acts 2:23-32 KJV, which states,

“[23] Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: [24] Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. [25] For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: [26] Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: [27] Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. [28] Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. [29] Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. [30] Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; [31] He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. [32] This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.”

In Act 2 Peter proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus death, burial and resurrection. He makes clear that this same Jesus who had been crucified is the same which David was talking about in Psalm 16:10. Whereby David’s prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus resurrection from the dead and declared by the apostle Peter. Peter’s declared these points in the text:

• Jesus was delivered according to God’s predetermined plan and foreknowledge.

• Those who crucified Him acted with wicked hands and are accountable.

• God raised Jesus from the dead, breaking the power of death.

• It was impossible for death to hold Christ.

• David’s words (Psalm 16) were prophetic, pointing to the Messiah.

• The “Holy One” would not remain in the grave or see corruption.

• David died and was buried, so he was not speaking about himself.

• As a prophet, David foresaw that one of his descendants would reign.

• David spoke in advance of the resurrection of Christ.

• Jesus’ resurrection is confirmed by eyewitness testimony of the apostles.

• Therefore, Jesus is the promised Messiah and risen Lord.

Men and brethren, Peter's message is clear:

Jesus was not a victim of circumstance; He was the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. They crucified Him, but God raised Him. They rejected Him, but heaven exalted Him. They buried Him, but the grave could not hold Him!

On the day that Peter delivered this message, 3,000 souls were saved. Will you obey the Gospel like them or will you reject the Gospel like the Scribes and Pharisees?

The risen Christ demands a response. So today I ask you:

• Will you continue in sin… or come to the Savior?

• Will you reject Him… or will you obey Him?

• Will you delay… or will you decide today?

The decision is yours. Will you obey the risen Savior who went to the Cross for our sins? Or will you reject Him? Come to Jesus today not tomorrow but today!