An earthquake marked the hour when Christ laid down His life, and another earthquake witnessed the moment when He took it up in triumph. He who had vanquished death and the grave came forth from the tomb with the tread of a conqueror, amid the reeling of the earth, the flashing of lightning, and the roaring of thunder. When He shall come to the earth again, He will shake “not the earth only, but also heaven.” Hebrews 12:26. “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage.” Isaiah 24:20. “The heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll” (Isaiah 34:4) ; “the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10. But “the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16. (DA 780.1) MC VC

At the death of Jesus the soldiers had beheld the earth wrapped in darkness at midday; but at the resurrection they saw the brightness of the angels illuminate the night, and heard the inhabitants of heaven singing with great joy and triumph: “Thou hast vanquished Satan and the powers of darkness; Thou hast swallowed up death in victory!” (DA 780.2) MC VC

Christ came forth from the tomb glorified, and the Roman guard beheld Him. Their eyes were riveted upon the face of Him whom they had so recently mocked and derided. In this glorified Being they beheld the prisoner whom they had seen in the judgment hall, the one for whom they had plaited a crown of thorns. This was the One who had stood unresisting before Pilate and Herod, His form lacerated by the cruel scourge. This was He who had been nailed to the cross, at whom the priests and rulers, full of self-satisfaction, had wagged their heads, saying, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” Matthew 27:42. This was He who had been laid in Joseph′s new tomb. The decree of heaven had loosed the captive. Mountains piled upon mountains over His sepulcher could not have prevented Him from coming forth. (DA 780.3) MC VC