The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is an event of first importance. The apostle Paul said to the Corinthians,
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ refers to that event in which He was raised to life. It occurred three days after His crucifixion (Luke 24:46; Acts 10:40; 1 Cor. 15:4) and it took place on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9). The resurrection of Christ was an event foretold by the prophets (Psalm 16:10) and prophesied by Christ Himself (Matt. 20:19; Mark 9:9; 14:28; John 2:19-22) – it was a necessary event (Luke 24:45-46). After His resurrection He appeared to Mary Magdaline and other women (Matt. 28:9; Mark 16:9; John 20:18). He also appeared to the disciples (John 20:26), to a crowd of about 500 (1 Cor. 15:6) and later on to Paul (1 Cor. 15:8). The resurrection was the power of the Triune God on display (The Father: Acts 2:24; 3:15; Rom. 8:11; Eph. 1:20; Col. 2:13; the Son: John 2:19; 10:18 and the Holy Spirit: 1 Peter 3:18).
The resurrection of Christ was clearly an amazing and miraculous event. But what does it mean for us? Why does it matter? It matters because “if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Cor. 15:14). Here are three reasons why the resurrection matters and why we ought to praise God for it.
It is the Basis of our Justification
Paul said concerning Christ, “who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Romans 4:25). The resurrection of Christ was a demonstration of the Father’s approval of what he accomplished at the Cross. This approval is extended to all who are in Christ Jesus.
It is the Basis of our Forgiveness
The Lord Jesus Christ died as a substitute for sinners at the cross. If He was not raised then His death was not effective. Paul said, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). He was raised and thus secured forgiveness of sins for His people.
It is the Basis of our Hope
The hope of eternal life in a glorified bodied was secured by means of the resurrection. The apostle Peter said to his readers, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). The believer can celebrate because one day, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet” (1 Cor. 15:52) they will be changed and will receive an immortal body.
The resurrection matters. Let us praise the Lord for raising up His Son and give Him all the glory.
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