Since we were saying that the resurrection isn't merely a happy ending to the gospel story, but has real, practical, theological reasons behind it ... let me list nine of those reasons:
The resurrection of Jesus ...
1. Reminds us that Jesus really was dead. He did not merely appear dead. He really, physically died ... securing our forgiveness.
2. Proves that Jesus really was who He said He was (Romans 1.4). Not a great religious leader. Not merely a great teacher. There have been many of those. They are dead. He is not.
3. Proves that the cross worked (Romans 4.25). Remember why Jesus died? So we could be forgiven and live after death. But, had Jesus not risen, how could we be sure that God accepted the sacrifice? If Jesus Himself had not lived after death, how could we be sure His death actually worked? See also 1 Cor. 15.17.
4. Proves that the Scripture is accurate (1 Cor. 15.3-4). The OT prophesied it 700 years in advance (see Isaiah 53.10). The NT confirms it. The Bible is true. See also Luke 18.31-33.
5. Proves that God is all powerful (2 Cor. 13.4a). Nothing is more irreversible than death. But God reversed it.
6. Reminds us that Christ has triumphed over the devil (Ephesians 1.20-21). Just when the devil thought he'd won, Jesus rose and held a victory parade in enemy streets!
7. Ensures that we, too, will someday rise from the dead (1 Cor. 15.23). We are one with Christ. What happens to Him happens to us ... including bodily resurrection. See also 1 Thess. 4.14, 2 Cor. 4.14, 1 Cor. 6.14.
8. Ensures that we have new life here and now (Romans 6.4-6). Christ has new life. Someday we will too. But even now, we have been given new hearts and new starts.
9. Ensures that Jesus can continue ministering to us. Because He is alive, He can intercede for us (Romans 8.34, Hebrews 7.25). Because He is alive, He can save us (Acts 3.26). Because He is alive, and appeared to Paul in Acts 9, we have all the various books we have been quoted from above (Paul's letters).
So there you have it. Nine reasons to fall down and worship this (and every) Sunday.
The resurrection of Jesus ...
1. Reminds us that Jesus really was dead. He did not merely appear dead. He really, physically died ... securing our forgiveness.
2. Proves that Jesus really was who He said He was (Romans 1.4). Not a great religious leader. Not merely a great teacher. There have been many of those. They are dead. He is not.
3. Proves that the cross worked (Romans 4.25). Remember why Jesus died? So we could be forgiven and live after death. But, had Jesus not risen, how could we be sure that God accepted the sacrifice? If Jesus Himself had not lived after death, how could we be sure His death actually worked? See also 1 Cor. 15.17.
4. Proves that the Scripture is accurate (1 Cor. 15.3-4). The OT prophesied it 700 years in advance (see Isaiah 53.10). The NT confirms it. The Bible is true. See also Luke 18.31-33.
5. Proves that God is all powerful (2 Cor. 13.4a). Nothing is more irreversible than death. But God reversed it.
6. Reminds us that Christ has triumphed over the devil (Ephesians 1.20-21). Just when the devil thought he'd won, Jesus rose and held a victory parade in enemy streets!
7. Ensures that we, too, will someday rise from the dead (1 Cor. 15.23). We are one with Christ. What happens to Him happens to us ... including bodily resurrection. See also 1 Thess. 4.14, 2 Cor. 4.14, 1 Cor. 6.14.
8. Ensures that we have new life here and now (Romans 6.4-6). Christ has new life. Someday we will too. But even now, we have been given new hearts and new starts.
9. Ensures that Jesus can continue ministering to us. Because He is alive, He can intercede for us (Romans 8.34, Hebrews 7.25). Because He is alive, He can save us (Acts 3.26). Because He is alive, and appeared to Paul in Acts 9, we have all the various books we have been quoted from above (Paul's letters).
So there you have it. Nine reasons to fall down and worship this (and every) Sunday.
2 comments:
Kurt, I have been blessed much in reading the last couple of posts on the resurrection...so helpful to ponder this amazing truth in the midst of this sometimes confusing, always somewhat disappointing earthly existence. Hope that doesn't sound negative for it's not meant to--just to recognize that the 'here and now' is nothing compared to the future in Glory. but I esp. appreciated your comments on Rom 6--the men at CC are reading DMLloyd-Jones on that chapter in small study groups and I started reading his commentary just last week in anticipation of our ladies doing a bible study this summer on this chapter. Have you read L-J on this? He has become one of my favorites--I finally finished the 2-vol biog by Ian Murray(took me 3 yrs)and I do truly look forward to meeting this dear saint in heaven. Your statement that 'we do not have to sin' has been playing over and over in my mind from the book by Lloyd-Jones. Scattered thoughts, these, but sent with a grateful heart. Also, a prayer request: AnnMarie is having great difficulties for the past couple of days..even right now she is most unhappy and I am at a total loss to know what to do..please pray for me, for her to experience the peace of Christ..she has almost always been so happy and easy to satisfy..this is quite a change and she is now of such a size/age that controlling her is a challenge. I am so needy; we are so needy. Thank you for your love in Christ. Kathy S.
Ms. Kathy,
Always good to hear from you. You are fast becoming my most loyal commenter! Haven't read MLJ on Romans 6, but the 2 volume bio is probably in my top five favorite books. I am sort of an Iain Murray stalker - having read every last one of his books over the last seven years ... several of them twice, one thrice.
At any rate, it is good to be reminded this Sunday (and every Sunday) that Christ is really alive ... and therefore so are we.
Will be praying for Anne-Marie ... and for you, with her.
We think of you all often and look forward to be in the great state of Mississippi again some time soon!
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