The Resurrection – Why is this important for the believer?

As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and on the third day, He resurrected. This is spoken about yearly as we enter the Easter period, but do you know what the resurrection means for believers, and why it is such a big deal?

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NKJV

The scripture tells us that Jesus died, was buried and rose again on the third day. Though, the tomb was empty on the third day, some initially believed that Jesus Christs’ body had been stolen (John 20). What makes a stronger and more compelling argument is rather the eye witnesses; those who saw Jesus alive after He appeared to over 500 brethren, including Paul. They saw the living Jesus! Hallelujah!

The fact that Jesus resurrected is not to be taken lightly. It is the resurrection that validates Christ’s crucifixion. If Christ hadn’t resurrected, His death would have been a death in vain.?

Let’s look into some of the implications and benefits of the resurrection for the believer.

1.?????As a result of the resurrection, Jesus was proclaimed to be the son of God.

“... concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

Romans 1:3-4 KJV

The scripture above tells us that Jesus’ resurrection was actually a birthing process, humanity was birthed into divinity. When Jesus resurrected, He took the physical body and went to heaven. The act of the resurrection from the dead “declared Jesus to be the son of God” He is now seated on the right-hand side of the Father and is our advocate.

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. and if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

1 John 2:1 NKJV

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus" the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV

2.?????Jesus resurrected, so that we (the body of Christ) can become sons of God.

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have?hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”

Isaiah 59:1-2 NKJV

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Romans 8:29 NKJV

Because of Adam’s sin, we were separated from God (to learn more on this topic, please read the article titled (New Beginnings - Being Born Again (linkedin.com)). From the beginning of time, God had a plan to reconcile us to Himself, and that plan was Jesus Christ. God had pre-planned and predestined us to be like His son, His firstborn. It would take the resurrection for this to happen.

Before the resurrection, Jesus referred to the disciples as His friends. Following His resurrection, He referred to them as His brothers (brethren); the resurrection changed the status of our relationship with Christ.

“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”

John 15:14 NKJV

“Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”

John 20:17 ?

At this point, God became our Father. Our life and relationships on earth shows us the benefits of having a good father; remember that God, the creator of the heavens and the earth is now your father and you have direct access to Him. What a privilege!

How does this affect my everyday life as a believer?

We now understand that following the resurrection, we are alive in Christ, we are children of God and He is our father. As our spirits are now alive to God, we can build our inner man to secure ourselves in God.

“that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,”

Ephesians 3:16 NKJV

When our inner man is weak, we give the devil an upper hand, and are not able to thrive as fully as we ought to. Sin is the devil’s territory however, we have the ability to shy away from sin, not because of our willpower but rather because of our spiritual strength. That is why it is important to continue to grow by studying of the word, being consistent in prayer and staying in fellowship.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Ephesians 6:10 NKJV

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,”

2 Corinthians 10:4 NKJV

The more we study the word, pray and fellowship, the more we have the power to take a stand for God and overcome sin. We also have an advocate in heaven (Christ) speaking on our behalf. We are victorious!

As we reflect on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ this Easter period, let us remember the significance of the resurrection.

• It validates Christ’s crucifixion
• Declared Him the son of God
• Enabled us to become children of God

As children of God, we have the power to overcome sin and take a stand for God. Hallelujah!