Easter Convictions 2023

It all hinges on the resurrection

In our humanity, we consider it inconceivable that a dead man might return to life.  It is incomprehensible and inconceivable indeed.  Yet it happened.  The foundation for the entire New Testament is based upon the historical fact that Jesus died, was buried, and then rose from the dead. His resurrection was verified by eyewitness accounts of friends and enemies alike. Jesus subsequently appeared in private and in public. His post-death meetings and conversations were recorded. And now our Christian faith rests on this great truth:  He rose again!

Since there is such overwhelming evidence to support these claims, the NT records also produce answers to the question of ‘so what’; so what meaning and significance is there to this spectacular event?  Consider the following:

1. The resurrection vindicated who Jesus claimed to be. 
   • Acts 2:36  although a human court condemned Jesus’ claim of deity as blasphemy, His resurrection overturned their injustice and vindicated His claim.
   • Romans 1:4  Through raising Christ from dead, God vindicated Jesus’ claim to power from the Father.  
   • Matthew 28:18   Jesus’ teaching about humility and the Kingdom were legitimate offers because of the resurrection.
2. The resurrection validates what Jesus did.
   • Demonstrated that Jesus’ death was NOT for his own sin but ours.  Isaiah 53:4
   • Showed His mission was approved and accomplished.  Isaiah 53:11-12; Luke 24:26; Acts 26:22
3. Jesus’ resurrection signifies the ultimate victory over evil.  
   • What appeared to be uncontested injustice and the killing of an innocent man was overturned by the resurrection of Jesus
   • Resurrection is God’s divine testimony to victory over evil.  Eph.4:19-22, Phil 2:9-11; 1 Pet 3:21-22 Ro.8:37-39.    
   • Because of Jesus’ resurrection and victory—we have assurance of our victory 1 Cor.15:55-56;  1 Cor.6:14; 2 Cor.4:14.
4. Jesus’ resurrection involves us who trust in Him.   
   • Raised with Christ   Col. 3:1, Eph.2:6
   • Seated with Christ in the heavenly realm Eph. 2:6
   • Reckoned and imputed with His righteousness before God Phi. 3:9, Ro.4:24
   • We become partakers of this new and risen life  Ro.6:4;  Eph2:5
   • Liberated from the death penalty of sin and the power which constrains us. Ro.6:6-7
   • Introduced and now able to taste His power in this present age. Heb.6:5
   • We live in an interim “already” and “not yet” world …truly saved in hope  Ro. 8:24

All Christian faith hinges on the resurrection.  It vindicated who Christ is.  It validated what He did and the ultimate victory over evil and the grave.  And His resurrection involves us.  We who trust in Christ also are raised with Him, seated with Him, and are righteous before God because of Him.  AMEN, amen.  

Have a blessed Eternal Easter.