Biblical Insights Of The Resurrection

 

Biblical Insights Of The Resurrection

This coming Sunday, is Resurrection Sunday (Easter - principal festival of the Christian church, which celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion).

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central event in Christianity, symbolizing victory over sin and death. Here are some key biblical insights:

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jesus foretold His resurrection multiple times (Matthew 16:21, John 2:19-22). The Old Testament also hinted at the resurrection, such as in Psalm 16:10. It has been the inclination of Bible scholars through out the years to search for evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The best way to start, is to look at the various prophesies that speak about Jesus' resurrection. How could it not be true, when it was said that it would happen, many years in the future.

2.Proof of Christ’s Divinity

Romans 1:4 states that Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection." His rising from the dead confirmed His authority over life and death. The apostle Paul's words to the Colossians (Colossians 3:1-11), emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, stating that believers are raised with him and should focus on heavenly things, where he is seated at the right hand of God. It highlights that Christ's death and resurrection serve as a pattern for believers' lives, calling them to die to self and be clothed in the identity of Christ. This resurrection is a source of new life and a reason to live in a way that reflects Christ's presence and authority. 

3. Victory Over Sin and Death

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 celebrates Christ’s triumph over death. Romans 6:9 affirms that death no longer has mastery over Him. And because Jesus conquered death Himself, He also conquered death for us as well. Not only at baptism do we rise to walk in new life in Christ, but when we die to this life, we will rise to walk in eternal life. Do you remember the words to the hymn: "Victory In Jesus?" Take time to read those words, and claim the victory we have in our risen Lord!

4. Assurance of Eternal Life

John 11:25-26: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." 1 Peter 1:3 speaks of the "living hope" through Christ’s resurrection.

How many people are walking without hope today? They are so burdened down because of sin, and trials. The world keeps disappointing people, and leading them down a path of discouragement and destruction. And hell will be the destination of so many. But not so, for those who believe, and accept Jesus Christ as Savior, and Lord. Eternal Life is the gift, and heaven is the destination.

5. The Foundation of Christian Faith

Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 15:17 that without the resurrection, faith would be meaningless. The resurrection validates Jesus’ teachings and promises. One of the best evidences for me, is the way the Lord Jesus has worked in my life. Especially in my times of trial. The Lord has always showed up, and has given me both His Word, and His strength. I may not have physically seen Him, but I have felt His presence, and I have viewed His work in my life. He is truly alive!

6. The Call to New Life

Romans 6:4 encourages believers to walk in "newness of life" because of Christ’s resurrection. Colossians 3:1-2 urges Christians to set their minds on heavenly things. In the Bible, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, asked, "What shall I do with Jesus?". This question was posed to him during Jesus' trial before Pilate. The question reflects Pilate's dilemma and his desire to resolve the situation involving Jesus. But this question needs to be presented to the world, and maybe you today? "What will you do with Jesus today?" He calls you to walk in the "newness of life" only He provides. Will you today, say yes to Jesus, and yes to the path that leads to heaven. When you do, you will be abundantly, and eternally blessed. GP

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Resurrection Reality

 

"And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty, and your faith is also empty." (1 Corinthians 15:14) "

In his documentary "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" Simcha Jacobovici claims archaeological evidence that disproves the resurrection of Christ. 

He says that the words "Jesus son of Joseph" found on a burial container near Jerusalem refer to Jesus of Nazareth. He also claims to have identified Jesus' DNA." (Our Daily Bread 3/25/2008) 

Should it bother us when we hear of such claims? I believe that when Jesus walked out of that tomb, He took the physical evidence with Him. Yes, they are looking at DNA, possible bone samples, and blood samples. But Jesus' body is gone, resurrected, just as Old Testament prophecy proclaimed thousand years before. 

What is proof to me is not the physical evidence, but the personal experiences. Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room (John 20) the Emmaus road (Luke 24)To Cephas (Peter) the twelve, 500 people, James, all the apostles, Last of all to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) 

Three questions stand out in my mind: 

 1. If the resurrection of Jesus is not true, why would the apostles give their lives to proclaim it to the world? All were martyred except John, who was placed in exile on the Island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). 

2. How can I explain the Lord Jesus' presence and providential care in my life? Sequences of answered prayer are a resurrection reality. 

3. Why would the apostle Paul lie about his conversion on the road to Damascus? (Acts 9) He met the Lord Jesus, on the Damascus road, and it changed his life. 

As it is with everything in regards to our relationship with God, we must have faith. Jesus said to Thomas (and to all of us) "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believed." (John 20:29) We are called not to prove, but to believe! GP 

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A Resurrection Response

"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept." (1 Corinthians 15:20) 

This whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 15 contains the apostle Paul's defense of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So convinced was he of the reality of it, that, you can feel the intensity of his words. He really believed in it. And why shouldn't he, when on the road to Damascus, he came in contact with our risen Lord. (Acts 9)

And the question for us today is: "Why aren't we as adamant about it, as Paul was?" Why isn't it the main focus of our conversation with the world?

In 1 Corinthians 15, we find a solid argument for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that we can use, when we are discussing the topic with those who are skeptical, or totally unbelieving. We must remember to always "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15)

But the greatest evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, will be seen in how He delivers us from sin, which is the "sting of death", and gives us the victory, to live a life that contains eternal joy and peace, even in the midst of severe trials.

Such joy and peace the world cannot know apart from knowing Christ. And just as Christ brings us salvation from sin, along with it, the reality of eternal life. It is indeed a personal experience, but one that will cause one to shout emphatically: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept." (v.20) GP

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Lazarus Lesson

 

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life, he who bes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26) 

Of the twelve disciples, John is known as the beloved disciple. He gave himself this name "The disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 20:2) to indicate his close relationship with the Lord. When you read his gospel, you grasp how much John loved Jesus. That tells me that there was no way that John could have lied about the raising of Lazarus. 

Why did he tell his readers about it? It was not just because it was one of the most powerful miracles Jesus performed. No, there was a greater purpose in his revelation of this miracle. John wanted his readers to believe that Jesus was the Son of God, "and that in believing, we could find life in His name. (John 20:30-31) 

Jesus told Martha, that He was..."the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (And the question that Jesus asked Martha, He asks us today) "Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26) 

Here are some things I believe! Yes, Jesus loved John, just as He loved the world. He allowed Lazarus to die so that He could raise Him up. Was this an event just for Lazarus's family to see? Or just for those who were present at the time this miracle happened? No, this was for the world to see. 

John came to understand what Jesus' purpose was. He came to save the world, and to demonstrate through resurrection power that we can have eternal hope in Him. What do we have to do to have this hope? We are to do as Martha was asked to do. BELIEVE!  Will you believe on the name of Jesus Christ today, and obtain the hope of eternal life? 

This is the Lazarus Lesson! Just as Lazarus was raised back to life, and just as Jesus arose from the grave on the third day; we will rise as well, to live eternally with our heavenly Father. Jesus is more than just a man, He is the Son of God! And believing in Him, we can have this precious hope! GP 

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The Best Surprise

"On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb." (John 20:1)

 On this coming Easter Sunday, many will rise early, and attend a sunrise service. What goes through our minds as we assemble to a gathering for this resurrection celebration?

Some may have their minds on other things that early in the morning. If you are the one in charge of the sunrise service, you may be praying that the service goes well. If you are one who is serving, you may be thinking about what you are going to say and do. Some may be thinking about getting there on time, because of an early time.

For me, I always have a special feeling, on Easter morning. I have always noticed how happy the birds are, as they chirp away in unison.
It is a special day of celebration that I look forward to.

It was different for Mary Magdalene, who came to the tomb early (along with other women to prepare his body for burial). When she came to the tomb, she saw the stone rolled away, and assumed that the body of Jesus had been stolen. It was a surprise to her, and to all who came to view the tomb, and to see that Jesus was not there. He had risen.

In this early time of this resurrection celebration, let's be mindful of the thoughts of those who (in time) came to realize the best news of all. Their Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ conquered death, and brought an eternal hope, that we as Christians joyfully share today!

Yes, it was a big surprise to those early followers of Christ. But it came to be the best surprise, and the greatest hope for not only them, but for everyone who knows Jesus as Savior, and king of their lives!  GP

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Why Jesus Rose From The Dead

John 20:9
Why would anyone believe in the idea of resurrection? Why not? The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Christians at Corinth writes: "But someone will say "How are the dead raised? And with what body do they come? Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies." 
(1 Cor. 15:35-36)

Every wheat seed dies first before it comes to life. Nature does nothing short of screaming "Resurrection." 
But before we criticize the disciples for not understanding (from Scripture) that Jesus must rise from the dead. What about us today? Do we fully understand (from Scripture) why Jesus had to rise from the dead?
It is true that we may not understand the process of resurrection, but we can understand from the Scripture, the purpose of it.

To the disciples on the Emmaus road, He (Jesus) said: "O foolish ones and slow to heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!" "Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" (Luke 24:25-26)

In 1 Peter 1:8-12, Peter tells us the purpose for why Jesus had to rise from the dead. Along with His sacrificial death for the sins of the world, Jesus rose from the dead to bring to us the hope of eternal life.
The prophets wrote about our salvation, and a grace that would come to us. Even thought they did not fully understand it, they foretold about the salvation we would receive through Jesus Christ.
That salvation embraces the blessing of rising from the dead as Jesus did, and living for ever with Him in heaven.

Who can understand the process of resurrection. Nature shouts it every Spring. But we can understand the purpose of it. New life.
In Jesus Christ we can have new life, because He arose from the dead, and paved the way for us to have new and eternal life.

This is something that we as fellow Christians, can understand, embrace, and believe in with all of our hearts. "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied." 
(1 Cor. 15:19) GP

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Will The Church Rise To The Occasion

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) 

After Jesus showed Himself alive with "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3), He gave His apostles this charge (our text)

It is very evident, when we read the book of Acts, that the early Christians followed through with Jesus' commission. The early church turned the world upside down for Jesus Christ. In the midst of persecution, they preached the gospel, and became the witnesses Jesus wanted them to be.

 This Sunday we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the power of God, He overcame death on the cross, and walked triumphantly out of that tomb. As Peter put it so well explaining the hope that we have in Christ, he said: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,..." (1 Peter 1:3) This "living hope" should motivate us to be a witness for Jesus Christ actively today.

Satan works very hard to have the church distracted, divided, and left in humiliating devastation. The plagues of pride and selfishness cause the church to lost it's focus on what is God's main purpose and pursuit. (Matthew 28:18-20)

It's time for the church to "Rise To The Occasion". It's time for the Christian community to be heard. Not just from her pulpits, but from the lips, and lives of her members. It is the same today, as it was in the time of the early church: people need the Lord. They need Him as Savior and Shepherd.

As Jesus arose from the dead to bring the world hope, it's time we as Christians, bring Jesus to the world of those around us. They need to have the same hope as we! That is our challenge today! GP  

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Resurrection Motivation

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable." 
(1 Corinthians 15:19) 

The hope of the Christian is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus arose from the dead, we too will have the ability to step into new bodies, unto a new eternal shore, and spend eternity in our new home, with the Lord, and our loved ones, who have placed their lives, in Jesus Christ as well.

If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then we have no basis for our faith, and we are still in our sins. If Jesus did not gain victory for us, than we are people to be most pitied.

Jesus showed Himself alive to over five hundred people at one time. Some of them were still alive, at Paul's writing here to the Christians at Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:6) I know that even with Paul's word on this, we must accept the resurrection of Christ on faith. But all through the Bible God has wanted His people to accept all things concerning Him by faith.

With all that happened to Jesus during those precious three days, I believe with all my heart that it is true, and it is my hope in the resurrection of Jesus, that pushes me forward. As Bill Gaither's song "Because He lives" says: "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know who holds the future, and life is worth the living, just because He lives." Amen! GP 
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