Saturday, May 14, 2011

Christ is Risen, So What? (Part 2)

Here we go again with the question: Christ is risen, so what?

Let me remind you of the words of the Apostle Paul: “And if Christ wasn't raised to life, our message is worthless, and so is your faith.” 1 Corinthians 15:14 CEV

Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God gives repentance and forgiveness of sins to all people.

The most famous of the early disciples of Jesus, Peter puts it this way: “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree. Him did God exalt with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins." Acts 5:30-31 ASV

Prompted by the Holy Spirit in a Vision, Peter went to the house of Cornelius, a Roman military officer and said the following: "Cornelius, God has heard your prayers, … Now I am certain that God treats all people alike. … Jesus was put to death on a cross. But three days later, God raised him to life and let him be seen.”

Some Jewish followers of the Lord had come with Peter, and they were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to Gentiles. Now they were hearing Gentiles speaking unknown languages and praising God. Peter said, "These Gentiles have been given the Holy Spirit, just as we have! I am certain that no one would dare stop us from baptizing them." Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days.
Acts 10:31-48 CEV

Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God secured our justification by raising Jesus from the dead. “He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Romans 4:25.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we now enjoy personal fellowship with Christ. Matthew 28:20: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have one who intercedes for us in heaven before God. Romans 8:34: “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”


Paul Weresch

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