Topical Encyclopedia The phenomenon of earthquakes holds significant theological and symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew provides a detailed account of an earthquake occurring at the moment of Christ's resurrection, underscoring the divine power and cosmic significance of this pivotal event in Christian theology.Biblical Account The Gospel of Matthew is the only Gospel that explicitly mentions an earthquake in connection with the resurrection of Jesus. Matthew 28:2 states, "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it." This earthquake is described as "great," indicating its magnitude and the profound impact it had on the surrounding area and those who witnessed it. Theological Significance The earthquake at the resurrection is rich in theological symbolism. It serves as a divine announcement of the victory over death and the grave, marking the triumph of Jesus Christ as the risen Lord. The shaking of the earth can be seen as a physical manifestation of the spiritual upheaval and transformation brought about by the resurrection. It signifies the breaking of the old order and the inauguration of a new creation through Christ's victory. Symbolism and Imagery In biblical literature, earthquakes often accompany significant divine interventions and revelations. They are frequently associated with God's presence and power, as seen in other scriptural instances such as Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18) and the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:51). The earthquake at the resurrection aligns with this pattern, emphasizing the momentous nature of the event and God's direct involvement in the affairs of humanity. Witness and Reaction The Gospel narrative highlights the reaction of the guards at the tomb, who were so shaken by the earthquake and the appearance of the angel that they "trembled and became like dead men" (Matthew 28:4). This response underscores the awe-inspiring and fear-inducing power of the divine presence, as well as the transformative impact of the resurrection on both believers and non-believers. Connection to Old Testament Prophecy The earthquake at the resurrection can also be seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that associate seismic activity with the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom. Passages such as Isaiah 29:6 and Ezekiel 38:19 speak of earthquakes as signs of divine intervention and judgment, further linking the resurrection event to the broader biblical narrative of redemption and restoration. Conclusion The earthquake at the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a profound testament to the power and glory of God. It serves as a physical sign of the spiritual reality of the resurrection, affirming the foundational Christian belief in the risen Lord and the hope of eternal life. Through this event, the earth itself bears witness to the transformative power of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 28:2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Some of the Guards Report to the Jewish Rulers. The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... Sermons on Several Occasions On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ... God is Our Refuge The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: On the Soul and the Resurrection. The Doctrine of the Last Things. First Latin Form. That it was Before Predicted that the World Would Hold us in ... Resources Why does God allow natural disasters, i.e. earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between natural evil and moral evil? | GotQuestions.org Questions about God (All) | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Earthquakes are Visible Tokens of God's Anger Earthquakes are Visible Tokens of God's Power Earthquakes are Visible Tokens of God's Presence Earthquakes in Canaan, in the Days of Uzziah, King of Judah Earthquakes in Strongholds of Philistines Earthquakes: At Christ's Second Coming, Predicted Earthquakes: At Our Lord's Death Earthquakes: At out Lord's Resurrection Earthquakes: At the Crucifixion of Jesus Earthquakes: At the Resurrection of Jesus Earthquakes: Before Destruction of Jerusalem, Predicted Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Convulsion and Receding of the Sea Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Opening of the Earth Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Overturning of Mountains Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Tearing of Rocks Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Volcanic Eruptions Earthquakes: General Scriptures Concerning Earthquakes: Islands and Mountainous Districts Liable To Earthquakes: Men Always Terrified By Earthquakes: The Judgments of God Earthquakes: The Overthrow of Kingdoms Earthquakes: when Elijah Fled from Jezebel Earthquakes: when Jonathan and his Armor-Bearer Attacked the Garrison at Gibeah Earthquakes: when Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Were Swallowed Up Earthquakes: when Paul and Silas Were in Prison at Philippi Earthquakes: when the Lord Revealed Himself to Elijah in the Still Small Voice Related Terms |
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