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

Christ is Risen! So what?

The cornerstone of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Historically, without the resurrection, the conviction that followed it, and the transformation of the lives of the witness, Christianity could not have survived in the hostile environment of the first century of it’s existence.

While there are a number of apologetic devices that can be used to establish the historicity of the resurrection, let me point out that the eyewitness accounts under the anointing of the Holy Spirit provide ample proof of the resurrection to satisfy an honest inquiring mind.

Now to that Question: So what? Here are a few biblical answers.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, death will never have any dominion over him and those that are His by faith. Romans 6:8-11 CEV. As surely as we died with Christ, we believe we will also live with him. We know that death no longer has any power over Christ. He died and was raised to life, never again to die. When Christ died, he died for sin once and for all. But now he is alive, and he lives only for God. In the same way, you must think of yourselves as dead to the power of sin. But Christ Jesus has given life to you, and you live for God.

The apostle Paul states that Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee of our resurrection. “But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life.” 1 Corinthians 15:20 CEV.

In his second letter to the Church at Corinth Paul writes: “In the Scriptures it says, "I spoke because I had faith." We have that same kind of faith. So we speak because we know that God raised the Lord Jesus to life. And just as God raised Jesus, he will also raise us to life. Then he will bring us into his presence together with you. All of this has been done for you, so that more and more people will know how kind God is and will praise and honor him.” 2 Corinthians 4:13-15 CEV.

We are born again to a living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus.

Peter, one of the major eyewitnesses to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ writes: “Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.” 1 Peter 1:3 CEV

Paul Weresch
(This discussion will to be continued in further blogs)