FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

Matthew 28:1-8; I Peter 1:3; Matthew 12:40, 21; John 14:19; Luke 24:1-9; Colossians 1:18; I Corinthians 15:20; John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:1-15; 21:1-4; Hebrews 12:2; Revelation 21:5-8; I Thessalonians 4:13-18

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the foundational and central truth of all Christianity. Because of his redemptive work and God raising him from the dead, the scriptures tell us we are the children of God, who have been given all spiritual blessings.

We have the hope of Jesus Christ’s return and the gathering together of God’s people. It includes the resurrection of the just, a new heave and new earth, new bodies fashioned like Jesus’ and life eternal with our Father. This is a living Hope, which we have through Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

We understand the importance of our Lord’s payment of his life and shed blood, of his sufferings and how he took upon himself our sins and the just punishment for us all. We know he died, was buried, was in the grave for three days and three nights. That is where most of Christianity leaves him. But there is much more — God raised him from the dead unto eternal life!

Jesus Christ alone now has immortality, having ascended into heaven to be seated at the right hand of God. He walks among his church today, ministering. As we await his return, so does he.

Colossian teaches us of Jesus being the first born from among the dead. That implies that others were born later. His resurrection was the first, but it will not be the last. There will be others after his return. I Corinthians teaches that Christ is risen from the dead and is the firstfruits of them that sleep. Firstfruits again indicates there are more to follow. “Sleep” is a euphemism for those who have died. A time is coming when the dead will hear Christ’s voice and be raised through resurrection.

Mortal life dies — death has power in this life and is an enemy. But a time is coming when death will no longer have power over God’s people. Jesus saw this as he was ministering upon earth. He endured all things for our sake for the joy that was set before him. He saw this future with a new heaven and new earth, with God’s children having a glorious body like his, and where there would be no more sorrow, crying, pain or death.

We can comfort one another with the words of truth which tell us Christ will come again. Death is terrible, but knowing that Christ will return and we will be resurrected puts a new perspective on things.

Let us celebrate that Christ is risen!