The Resurrection

The Resurrection

There is no glory in the cross without the resurrection. If Jesus had simply died for our sins, we would have a Savior who loved us, but One Who lacked the power to free us from sin and conquer death. A dead Savior cannot offer forgiveness. But His resurrection proclaims His death sufficiently satisfied the wrath of God, freeing us from the penalty of sin and offering life.

His resurrection brings forgiveness. Forgiveness because our debt has been paid. Do we live in the reality of what we’ve been forgiven of? Do we live like we’re forgiven? “It is finished.” Honor Christ’s death and believe His resurrection by accepting and resting in the forgiveness He purchased by the cross and delivered in His resurrection.

His resurrection brings life. Col. 3:1 reminds us we have been raised with Christ and we should live differently. God promises everlasting life and abundant life. If you were on your death bed and suddenly received a clean bill of health- an opportunity to live the life you were sure you had lost. You’d live differently. Your life would be characterized by a gratitude for the undeserving blessings you daily received. I think that’s what “life more abundantly” means.

His resurrection brings us to God.

1 Peter 3:18a tells us “Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” Only Christ who was perfect could offer us rescue from ourselves to restore our fellowship with God. Jesus brings us to God by providing His righteousness so we can spend eternity in His presence. But He also tore the veil that hung between us and the Father, offering fellowship with God in the here and now. We get to commune with the God of the Universe because of the resurrection and have the hope of spending eternity with Him one day. Jesus daily intercedes for us on our behalf every day, because He is alive! We have access to His power, His Spirit, and His Person because Jesus did not stay in the grave.

Questions for further reflection:

What does knowing I’ve been forgiven look like? What does living forgiven look like?

What area of my life do I need to proclaim “It is Finished” over?

Study John 15, what is the secret to an abundant life?

How am I enjoying the gift of the presence of God today made possible by the resurrection?

Jesus, I celebrate your resurrection today. Praise God you did not stay dead, but conquered sin and death bringing life and hope to a lost world. Teach me to live in a daily awareness of the resurrection; remembering what I’ve been forgiven of and living in reality of that forgiveness. May I never try to earn or add to your sacrifice. May my life point others to You as I live in gratitude, and by the Holy Spirit extend forgiveness to others as I have received from You.