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THE DECLARATION OF THE RESURRECTION

 

JIM LAWS

 

The truth about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is at the very heart of New Testament Christianity.  Paul’s statement in the Scripture reveals just how foundational these matters are (I Cor. 15:1-4).  On the first day of each week, as Christians gather around the Table of the Lord, we commemorate Christ’s death and burial.  The fact that Christians assemble every Sunday is a testimony to the resurrected Christ.  What does this great event declare, and why is it so important?

 

Jesus is the Son of God.  In Romans 1:4 Paul says that Jesus was declared to be the son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness.  Among the first to the grave that resurrection morning were the women, who came to finish anointing the body of Christ.  Mary Magdalene, it seems, left the others and encountered Peter and John.  Upon hearing Mary’s fears the two apostles ran to the tomb to investigate.  John later said that when he looked into the empty sepulcher, he believed.

 

The Sacrifice of Jesus was Accepted.  Christianity centers on the cross, however, without the resurrection the cross would have little meaning, since many have died on Roman crosses.  It is because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead that the cross has so much meaning for us.  This is the case, because the resurrection declares that sinners are now able to be reconciled before God.

 

“nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ…” Ephesians 2:16

 

Through the sacrifice of Jesus, the justice of God was satisfied, and we have hope of life everlasting.  One word the Scriptures use, which is not familiar to us, but teaches this great point is the word “propitiation,”  which means “peace offering”  (I John 2:2; 4:10).

 

We Have a Living Savior.  Once we have been forgiven of sin, we need help in living the Christian life.  The Resurrection declares that we have a Savior who “lives to make intercession” for us (Heb. 7:25).  Our allegiance is not to a dead precept, but to a living Personality.  Jesus has promised to be with us always (Mt. 28:20).  He has assured us that when we come together, he is there (Mt. 18:20).  We have not only been reconciled by his death, we are saved by his life (Rom. 5:10).  Therefore, my daily prayer includes the thought, “Thank you, O God, for a risen Savior.”

 

God Stand By His Word.  God says what He means, and means what He says.  The resurrection truly proves that point.  The enemies of Christ did not believe His predictions about the resurrection, but, nevertheless, it came to pass.  His body—His earthly temple—died on the cross, but on the third day that body was raised from the dead.

 

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