A Note on the Resurrection of Christ

Matthew 28:5-6 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

1 Corinthians 15:12-22 ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

The Resurrection Changes Everything

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the major factor that validates everything for which Christianity stands. It is an undeniable proof of the truth of all that happened before and after the death of Christ. It is also the basis of our belief in the things which are written but yet to happen. The resurrection validates the Christian faith.

1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

The resurrection also reveals a clear difference between Christianity and all the other religions; between Christ and all others who are being worshipped today. All the other gods died and remain dead, except Jesus Christ who died and rose from the dead, and is alive forever.

Jesus spoke of His suffering, death, burial, and resurrection many times before it actually happened.

Well, the suffering happened,

the death happened

the burial happened, and then…

…the resurrection!

The believers blessings are more sure because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection makes them a reality. I will briefly discuss some of these blessings:

Eternal Life

If Christ truly resurrected, which He did, then all other things He says has to be true. Which also means that He is coming back again. This is good news for the believers. No matter what happens to us here on earth, we know for sure that this is not our final home. We will one day be with Christ in Heaven. This is the good news backed by the truth of the Scriptures.

1 Corinthians 15:51-53 ¶ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

Victory Over Satan and the World

The resurrection also validates all the promises of blessings and victory in Christ. Because Christ is victorious, we are too. This is a result of our union with Him (Ephesians. 2:6). In Christ, we received all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). In Him we have power and victory over the flesh, the world, the devil and all his demons. This is victory indeed.

Ephesians 1:19-23 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Colossians 1:12-14 ¶ Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.

Victory Over Death

Also in Christ, we have victory over death. Christ promised that those who believe in Him will never die! This is part of the promises validated by His resurrection. Because Christ lives, the Christians shall live also. The resurrection of Jesus guarantees the future resurrection of the believers. We will never die. This is eternal life for those who believe.

John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

We read in the last part of the 1 Corinthians 15:

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The sting of death has been rendered powerless, the grave can no longer hold us, death is swallowed up in victory. No longer do we need to live with the fear of death. This is true victory. It is yours who believe, not because of what you did, or can still do, but because of what Christ has done.

Hebrews 2:14-15 ¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

QUESTION FOR THE READER:

As believer, how will the knowledge of who you are and what you have in Christ affect the way you live your life today?

The truth of the resurrection also validates the Bible message regarding those who reject Christ. If salvation is sure for the believers, then condemnation is also sure for those do not believe. The truth about resurrection should therefore be a wake up call for those who are still rejecting Jesus Christ today, that is, the unbelievers

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Sinners didn’t go to hell only because they sinned, it is they refused to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). But some have been redeemed. You can be one of the redeemed today. Simply put your trust in Christ. Believe in Jesus. For more about what it means to believe in Jesus Christ, please refer to What It Means to Believe in Jesus Christ.