Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:11-15
Introduction: Satan counterfeits much of what God has designed for His glory. But while God offers resurrection to eternal life, Satan's counterfeit leads to eternal separation from God—what Scripture calls the "second death." Let us explore how Satan's counterfeit resurrection manifests and why it should serve as a sobering reminder to embrace the true resurrection in Christ.
I. God's True Resurrection: Life Eternal
Scripture:
John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.'"
Key Point: Through Jesus Christ, believers are promised a resurrection to eternal life. This resurrection is the culmination of our Salvation—a transformation in which our bodies are glorified (Philippians 3:21), and we dwell forever in the presence of God.
Illustration: Imagine a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. The process of metamorphosis mirrors how we are transformed through resurrection—what was once bound to the earth becomes free to soar in eternal glory.
II. Satan's Counterfeit: The Resurrection to Judgment
Scripture:
Revelation 20:13-15: "And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire."
Key Point: Satan's followers, though resurrected, are brought to face eternal judgment. This is not a resurrection to life but to condemnation. Satan's counterfeit promises power, pleasure, and autonomy, but his followers are resurrected to a fate of unending separation from God—a resurrection unto death.
Illustration: Imagine someone forging a counterfeit currency that looks real but is worthless. Satan's counterfeit resurrection offers no value. It deceives with temporary allure but ultimately leads to eternal ruin.
III. Satan's Strategy: Deception Through Counterfeit
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 11:14-15: "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness."
Key Point: Satan mirrors God's institutions to deceive humanity. He creates counterfeit churches, sacraments, and even spiritual experiences. His ultimate goal is to lead people away from God's truth by offering a similar version that denies the power of the true Gospel.
Illustration: Consider counterfeit medicine—it might look like the real thing but lacks the active ingredients to heal. Satan's counterfeit resurrection lacks the power of Christ to give eternal life.
IV. The Destination of Each Resurrection
Scripture:
Daniel 12:2: "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
Key Point: The Bible makes it clear that there are two destinations for humanity after resurrection:
Eternal life in the presence of God for the redeemed.
Eternal separation in the lake of fire for those who reject Christ.
Illustration: The story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:19-31 vividly portrays these eternal outcomes. Lazarus enjoys eternal comfort while the rich man is in torment. The choice is clear, but Satan deceives people into believing there are no consequences.
V. The Call to Choose True Resurrection
Scripture:
Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Application: The choice between life and death rests on our response to Christ's invitation. Will we accept His gift of Salvation and be raised to eternal life, or will we follow Satan's lies to eternal separation?
Illustration: A man once stood at a fork in the road with two signs pointing to a cliff and a beautiful garden. Satan's counterfeit resurrection is like the sign pointing to the cliff—beautifully painted but ultimately leading to destruction.
Conclusion:
Satan's counterfeit resurrection leads to eternal judgment, not life. It is a perversion of God's promise, designed to deceive. But Christ's resurrection offers true hope. As we consider our mortality and the certainty of resurrection, let us place our faith in the One who conquered death and gives life eternal.
Altar Call: If you have never embraced the true resurrection offered by Jesus Christ, now is the time. God's love for you is so great that He sent His Son to die for your sins and rise again to offer you eternal life. Will you choose Him today?
Prayer: "Lord Jesus, I believe You are the resurrection and the life. I confess my sins and trust in Your sacrifice for my Salvation. Raise me to your new life and guide me to walk in Your truth. Amen."
Resources for Further Study:
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis (on Satan's strategies)
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem (on resurrection and eschatology)
May this sermon remind your congregation of the gravity of their eternal destiny and the glory of Christ's actual resurrection.
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