The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the central truths of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-21). Without Christ’s resurrection, our faith would be in vain, and there would be no redemption. But thank God, there is redemption for all of mankind. We are no longer under the control and penalty of sin. Christ’s resurrection means that we have been given an escape, and we are no longer destined to be eternally separated from God in hell and the lake of fire.
Let’s take a closer look at the significance of Christ’s resurrection to those who believe in Him:
1. His resurrection proves that He is the Son of God. He was born of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:3-4).
2. It guarantees God’s desired result of His redemptive death and resurrection for us. Through one man’s disobedience, many were made sinners, but by one man’s obedience, many will be made righteous. Through Jesus’ resurrection, we can walk in newness of life, no longer slaves of sin. We are now slaves of righteousness, slaves of God, not the devil (Romans 5:18-19; 6:1-23).
3. His resurrection guarantees the bodily resurrection of every believer at the Second Coming of Christ. Those who believe in Him will experience everlasting communion and companionship with God (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 51-54; Hebrews 6:1-2; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).
4. It verifies the truth of scripture. God spoke through David concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus in Psalms 16:10, and it was fulfilled in Acts 2:25-36.
5. It proves future judgment on the wicked. God commands all people to repent because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness through Jesus Christ. He has given assurance of this day to all by raising Jesus from the dead (Acts 17:30-31).
6. It is the foundation for Christ’s gift of the Holy Spirit and spiritual life to His people after His resurrection. After His resurrection, people could be regenerated (born again) and baptized with the Holy Spirit, receiving power to live the Christian life (John 20:22; 1 Corinthians 15:45; Acts 1:4-8).
7. Upon His resurrection, He entered His heavenly ministry of intercession for the believer. He became our eternal high priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:5- 10; 7:20-28; 10:1-25).
8. It assures believers of their heavenly inheritance through the resurrection of Jesus (1 Peter 1:3-4).
9. His resurrection assures believers of a heavenly home (John 14:1-3).
10. His resurrection makes available the presence of Christ in His power of sin in our everyday experience (Galatians 2:20; Romans 5:14-23).
Conclusion
According to Matthew 28:6, the tomb is empty, and Jesus has risen from the dead! He lives today, and because He lives, those who are dead in their sins can come alive in Christ by receiving Him into their hearts. They can spend eternity ruling and reigning with Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5; Romans 10:8-10; Acts 17:28; John 3:1-7).
