March 23, 2016
“Rising from the dead” and “coming back to life” are dictionary definitions of “resurrection.” The word makes us think about death giving way to life – the supernatural overpowering the natural. When dealing with death, there is one word that conveys confident hope: resurrection.
“Resurrection” is a New Testament word, appearing many times, affirming the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. The most powerful statement recorded is from Jesus Himself in John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish.”
The death of Jesus on our behalf is necessary for eternal life with Creator God, because the penalty for sin is death – and everyone is under this penalty passed down from Adam. Many people have died for a good cause, and some have even claimed to be “messiah savior.” But they all died and none have come back to life.
We need someone who can die for our sin and also live again. That is what Savior Jesus did. His death paid the penalty for our sin, and His resurrection from the dead is our assurance of eternal life with Him. Jesus’ resurrection brought death to death!
Of all the belief systems on Planet Earth, there is only one that has a Leader Who is Creator God. That One is Jesus. His resurrection from the dead demonstrates this reality. In the final verses of First Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul rejoices in remembering that the sting of death is ended by the resurrection of Jesus. In verse 57, he declared: “How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Jesus is risen – He is risen indeed!
Pastor Bill Ehmann