The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

By Pastor John Dawson

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.  1 Corinthians 15:3-4

            The resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the center of our faith. As Paul tells the Corinthians, it is of first importance. For this reason, the Church has always made the resurrection at the center of her life and worship. We gather for worship on the first day of the week because that is the day that Christ arose. The Church has also kept the time of year of the resurrection as a special place. We even have many different names for this one remembrance: Easter Sunday, Resurrection Day, and Pascha are three. Our culture has special events that happen at Easter to celebrate the day. I’m certainly not against having celebrations that make the day special, as long as the easter egg hunt, the giving of candy, the wearing of new clothes and the like do not upstage our thoughts about the resurrection.

            The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus is at the center of our faith. It is a constant theme in our prayers, our hymns and our preaching. But sometimes we get so used to hearing the words that our ears become dull. This is why it is good to have special emphasis on the resurrection from time to time. And so, we do have the reminder of this season and Easter.

            The most important thing to remember about the resurrection of Jesus is this: It is because of his death and resurrection that we are forgiven, that we have new life, that we have eternal life. We trust in Christ because he has set us free from the law of sin and death. This is the core of the gospel of Jesus. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. But because Christ is risen, our faith is firmly grounded.

            Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we know that our resurrection and that of our brothers and sisters in Christ is possible. Jesus lives and so shall we. We need not grief as those with no hope. We know that Christ will return and he will bring with him all who have died in him. Christ’s resurrection was the first, opening the way for us. This is why Paul says: But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. We are those who follow. And we can be confident even as we approach our deaths because we know that Jesus will have new and resurrected bodies. When that happens we will know the truth of the scripture: 

Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

            This victory is ours through Jesus. And it centers on his death and resurrection. May the resurrection of Jesus Christ and all the blessings that are ours through it fill your mind and heart with worship, praise, and hope.

Pastor John