The Implications Of The Resurrection

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” – Romans 8:11. 

Few people would argue that the resurrection is the central issue of Christianity. That’s because if the resurrection isn’t true then we’re still in our sins, and following Christ is meaningless. Here are some crucial questions: What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you? Is it central to your faith? However we answer those questions, the resurrection will have implications on our life. The power of the risen Christ is active in every Christian, transforming our lives. 

For one, our faith is not in vain. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says that the resurrection of Jesus proves that He is the Son of God and that His message is absolutely true. His miracles are divine and authentic and assures us who He is, and His resurrection is the final and absolute confirmation from the Father that Jesus is who He claimed to be.

Our sins are forgiven. This is huge because we are all sinners. “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own…” (Isaiah 53:6 ) And Romans 3:23 says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” The truth is, Jesus has paid for the sins of the entire world. “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” (I John 2:2). His resurrection is a statement that the atoning sacrifice was completed and fully accepted. So our standing with God is not contingent on meeting His standards which we could never do, it is contingent on our receiving Him as Lord and Savior.

God is at work in us. In Ephesians 1:19-20, Paul writes “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” The same power that the Father used to raise Jesus from the dead is at work in us. Take a second and let that sink in. This is a strong message from someone who is chained in a Roman prison while he writes this. Paul assures us that whatever happens in our lives, whatever challenges we meet, whatever trials we face, God will absolutely fulfill all His purposes for us and His promises to us. No power, human or spiritual, will be able to thwart God’s good plans for us.

And finally, it will be worth it all. “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The message of Easter is a message of eternal hope. What we do on this earth is not in vain. There is a eternal future with God waiting for each of us who are followers of Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. How should the resurrection impact your life on a daily basis? 
2. How much does the evidence and faith play a role in your belief in the resurrection? 
3. What does the resurrection mean for your past, present and your future?