What exactly does the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ mean to you, to me and every other person who believes and puts their faith in him? What is the importance of his resurrection and why does it impact so strongly on our lives? Was it really necessary for Jesus to die and rise again on the third day? In reading the Bible, does it actually fortell of Jesus death and resurrection? Can we believe the Bible when it says he rose from the dead? Questions, always we are filled with questions! Well let's look at some of these questions. Let us see what answers, you or I can find. I am not a Biblical scholar, someone who has written books on the subject, but the ordinary person can find the answers to these questions and many more. How? By doing some research and studying the living word of God in his book, the Bible.
Let's take a look at one of the questions "Can we believe what is written in the Bible"? The only true answer I can say to this is, "Yes". The Holy Bible was written by our Lord. He did not actually sit down with pen and paper and write out the words, but, those who wrote the chapters of the Bible did so though his divine inspiration. The New Testament is written by early apostles who were eyewitnesses to his resurrection. These disciples were jailed, beaten, threatened with death because they told of Jesus resurrection. Knowing they spoke the truth, no threats could suppress their knowledge or restrain them from speaking of the miracle of Jesus resurrection.(Acts 4:20) Jesus also appear to over 500 other people who are witnessess to this event. So, how can it not be true, there are just too many who witnessed this occurrence to make it unbelievable.(1 Corinthians 15:5-8) Many have tried to invent excuses or to explain the testimony of this witness, but, it have been to no avail. They have never been able to discredit the deposition of these eye witnesses. No one has ever undermined the documents of the New Testament to be nothing but the truth. In fact, if the accuracy of the Resurrection were put before a jury in a court of the law, the overwhelming evidence would prove the facts to be true as recorded in the Bible. (1 Corinathians 15: 12-19) (St. John 20: 29-31)(Acts 2:24-32; 3:15) (St. Luke 1:1-4; 24:36-43)(Romans 6:1-11)(Colossians 2:8-15) Even so, there are still many who do not believe in the Ressurection of Jesus, although they claim to members of churches. This was also foretold in the Bible.(1 Thessalonians 4:13) Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall aslep, or to grieve the rest of men who have no hope. They are without hope and without God in the world. (Ephesians 2:12) They will not believe the New Testament, which declares the ressurection of Christ with great clarity.
(Acts 2:24-32) But God has raised him up having loosed the sorrows of hell, because it was not possible that he should be held fast by it. For David says with reference to him, I saw the Lord before me always, because he is at my right hand, lest I be moved. This is why my heart has made, merry and my tongue has rejoiced; moreover my flesh also will rest in hope, because thu wilt not abandon my soul to hell, neither wilt thou let thy Holy One undergo decay. Thou has made known to me the ways of life; thou will fill me with joy in thy presence. Brethern, let me say t you freely of the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this very day. Therefore, since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that of the fruit of his loins one should sit upon his thone, he, forseeing it, spoke of the resurrection of Christ. For neither was he abandoned to hell, nor did his flesh undergo decay. This Jesus God has raised up, and we are all witnesses of it.<
(St. Luke 24:36-43) Now while they were talking of these things. Jesus stood in their midst, and said to them, "Peace to you! It is I, do not be afraid." But they wee startled and panic-stricken, and thought that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you disturbed, and who do dubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that is it I myself. Fell me and see; for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." And having said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. But as they still disbelieved and marvelled for joy, he said, "Have you anything here to eat?" And they offered him a piece of broiled fish and a honeycomb. And when he had eaten in their pensence, het ook what remained and gave it to them.
(St. John 20: 29-31) Jesus said to him, "Because thou hast seen me, thou has believed. Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed." Many other signs also Jesus worked in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
(Acts 3:15) But the author of life you killed, whom God has raised up from the dead; whereof we ar witnesses.
(Acts 4:20) For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard
(Romans 6:1-11) What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! For how shall we who ar dead to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all we who have been baptized into Christ esus have been baptized into his death? For we were buried with him by means of Baptism into death, in order that, jas as Christ has arisen from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newnessof life. For if we hve been united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be so in the likeness of his resurrection also. For we know that our old self has been crucified with him, in order that the body of sin may be destroyed, that we may no longer be slaves to sin; for he who is dead is acquitted of sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live together with Christ; for we know that Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more, death shall no longer have dominion over him. For the death that he died, he died to sin once for all, but the life that he lives he lives unto God. Thus do you consider yourselves also as dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
(1 Corinthians 15:4-8) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, acording to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and after that to the Eleven. Then he was sen by more than five hundred brethern at one time, many of whom are with us still, but some have fallen asleep. After that he was seen by James, then by all the apostle. And last of all, as by one born out of due time, he was seen also by me.
(1 Corinathians 15: 12-19) Now if Christ is preached as risen from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ risen; and if Christ has not risen, vain then is our preaching, vain too is your faith. Yes, and we are found false witnesses as to God, in that we have borne witness against God that he raised Christ - whom he did not raise, if the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, neither has Christ risen; and if Christ has not risen, vain is your faith, for you are still in your sin. Hence they also who have fallen asleep in Christ, have perished. If with this life only in view we have had hope in Christ, we are of all men the most to be pitied.
(Ephesians 2:12) Bear in mind that you were at that time without Christ, excluded as aliens from the community of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.
(Colossians 2:8-15) And it was
he who made know to us your love in the Spirit. This is why we too
have been praying for you unceasingly, since the day we heard this, and
asking that you may be filled with knowledge of his will, in all spiritual
wisdom and understanding. May you walk worthily of God and please him in
all things, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge
of God. May you be completely strengthened through his glorious power
unto perfect patience and long-suffering; joyfully rendering thanks to
the Father, who has made us worthy to share the lot of the saints in light.
He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the
kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have our redemption, the remission
of our sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn
of every creature.
SECOND QUESTION: "Does the Bible actually fortell of Jesus death and resurrection"? Once again, there are various passages from both the Old and New Testaments which fortell of this event. Jesus himself revealed to his disciples the suffering he must endure, his death and also his resurrection on numerous occasions.
(Isaia 53: 10-12) But the Lord was pleased to crush him in infirmity. If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and they will of the Lord shall be accomplished through him. Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.
(Psalm 16:10) Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor ill you suffer your faithful on to undergo corruption
(Psalm 49:15) Like sheep they are herded into the nether world; death is their shepherd, and the upright rule over them. Quickly their form is consumed; the nether world is their palace. But God will redem me from the power of the nether world by receiving me.
(St. Matthew 12:38-40) Then certain of the Scribes and pharisees answered him, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But the answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, and no sign shall be given it but the sign of Jonas the rophet, For even as Jonas was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights so will the Son of Man be three days and thee nights in the heart of the earth.
(St. Matthew 21: 18-19) Behold we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the Scribes; and thy will condemn him to death, and will deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.
(St. Mark 10: 30) For he was teaching his disciples, and saying to them "The Son of Man is to be betrayed into the hands of men, and thy will kill him; and having been killed, he will rise again on the third day."
(St. Luke 18:32-33) For he will be delivered to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and scourged and spit upon; and after they have scourgaged him, they will put him to death; and on the third day he will rise again.
(St. John 2: 19-22) In answer Jesus said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews therefore said, Forty-six years has this temple been in building, and wilt thou raise it up in three days? But he was speaking of the temple of his body. When accordingly, he had risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scriptue and the word that Jesus had spoken.
(Philippians 2:9-11) Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who though he was by nature od, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be clung to, but emptied himself, taking the nature of a slave and being made like unto men. And appearing in the form of man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even to death on a cross. Therefore God also has exalte him and has bestowed upon him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee whould bend nd those in heaven, on earth and under the ear, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
THIRD QUESTION: "Was it really necessary for Jesus to die and rise again on the third day?" Jesus was the sacrificial lamb who suffered and died for the sins of man. Rising on the third day, proved that Jesus was who he claimed to be. This is proof that Jesus lives even today and that through him our sins can be forgiven. (Rom 4:25)(St. Matthew 20:28) The resurrection of Jesus became the heart of his disciples teachings, filling them with strength and courage to go among the people spreading his word. Those who disbelieved our Lord were now forced to take a second look at their beliefs and consider the consequences of their actions in having Jesus crucified. Jesus was constantly challenged thoughout his ministry to prove who he was by skeptics. His last sign to those who did not believe was declaring he would rise on the third day following his death. Jesus placed the validation of his teachings, his ministry, on this one single promise. A promise he kept, confirming, he was the Son of God.
(St. Matthew 20:28) Even as the Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
(St. Luke 19: 55-56) But he turned and rebuked them, saying, "You do not know of what manner of spirit you are; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." And they went to another village.
(St. John 12:44-50) But Jesus cried out, and said, "He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And he who sees me, sees him who sent me. I have come a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. And if nayone hears my words, and does not keep them, it is not I who judge him; for I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He who rejects me, and does not accept my words, has one to condemn him. The word that I have spoken will condemn him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but he who sent me, the Father, has commanded me what I should say, and what I should declare. And I know that his commandment is everlasting life. The things, therefore, that I speak, I speak as the Father has bidden me.<
(Acts 13: 38-39) Be it known therefore to you, brethren, that through him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and in him everyone who believes is acquitted of all the things of which you could not be acquitted by the Law of Moses.
(Rom 4:25) Who was delivered up for our sins, and rose again for our justification.
(Romans 8: 3-4) For what was
impossible to the Law, in that it was weak because of the flesh, God has
made good. By sending his Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as
a sin-offering, he has condemned sin in the flesh, in order that, rhe requirements
of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh
but according to the spirit.
Forth question: "What is the importance of his resurrection and why does it impact so strongly on our lives?" Christianity is not only based on the teaching of Jesus and the prophets before him, but, the most important aspect of our belief is his Resurrection. It is through Jesus resurrection that our sins have been forgiven and eternal life extended to us.(1 Cor. 15:14-20)(Romans 4:25) The resurrection of Jesus clearly demonstrates the power of God.(Ephesians 1:19-21) This clearly shows, Jesus is who he claimed to be, it is proof of the Trinity. (Romans 1:4) As Christians we believe Jesus is Lord and that he was raised from the dead according to the Bible. Our salvation is dependent on the belief of the resurrection of Jesus.(Romans 10:9) Jesus spoke the truth when he said he would rise from the dead. Jesus resurrection proves that his teachings are spoken with authenticity and that promises which he spoke of will come true and we have no reason to fear death.(St. Jonh 6:40) If Jesus had not died and been resurrected, then we as Christians would have no hope for resurrection. Therefor as stated in the Bible our hope for resurrection is dependent upon the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus assures Christians that there is life after death.(1 Thessalonians 4:14)(2 Corinthians 4:14)(Ephesians 1:19-21)(Romans 6:4) In accepting and believing in Jesus resurrection, we must be willing to turn from sin and do our best to live by the Lords Commandments. If we do not reform from sin, how can we possibly expect forgiveness from our Lord, when Jesus paid the final price for sin.(Romans 6:1-11) Jesus resurrection from the dead assures all people of resurrection from physical death.(1 Corinthians 15:22) We also know that Jesus will be the one to judge in the final days. Jesus is the one whom we have to face. It is to him that we confess our sins and ask forgiveness. This again proves his resurrection, for how could we confess our sins and ask forgiveness of someone who is not living.(Acts 17:31)(St. John 5:22; 27-29)(Philippians 3:21)(1 Corinthians 15: 51-52)(2 Thesaloniaans 1:7-9)(Romans 2:16)
(St. John 5:22) For neither does the Father judge any man, but all judgment he has given to the Son
(St. John 5: 27-29) And he granted him power to render judgment, because he he is Son of Man. Do not wonder at this, for the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs shall hear the voice of the Son of God
(St. Jonh 6:40) For this is the will of my Father who sent me, that whoever beholds the Son, and believes in him shall have everlasting life, and I will raise him up on the last day.
(Acts 17:31) And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalft be saved, and thy household.
(Romans 1:4) Who was foreordained Son of God by an act of power in keeping with the holiness of his spirit by resurection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 2:16) This will take place on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge he hidden secrets of men through Jesus Christ.
(Romans 4:25) Who was delivered up for our sins, and rose again for our justification.
(Romans 6:1-11) What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! For how shall we who ar dead to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all we who have been baptized into Christ esus have been baptized into his death? For we were buried with him by means of Baptism into death, in order that, jas as Christ has arisen from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newnessof life. For if we hve been united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be so in the likeness of his resurrection also. For we know that our old self has been crucified with him, in order that the body of sin may be destroyed, that we may no longer be slaves to sin; for he who is dead is acquitted of sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live together with Christ; for we know that Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more, death shall no longer have dominion over him. For the death that he died, he died to sin once for all, but the life that he lives he lives unto God. Thus do you consider yourselves also as dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 10:9-10) For if thou confess with thy mouth that Jesus is the Lord, and believe in thy heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart a man believes unto justice, and with the mouth profession of faith is made unto salvation.
(1 Corinthians 15:12-20) Now if Christ is preached as risen from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ risen; and if Christ has not risen, vain then is our preaching, vain too is your faith. Yes, and we are found false witnesses as to God, in that we have borne witness against God that he raised Christ - whom he did not raise, if the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, neither has Christ risen; and if Christ has not risen, vain is your faith, for you are still in your sin. Hence they also who have fallen asleep in Christ, have perished. If with this life only in view we have had hope in Christ, we are of all men the most to be pitied. But as it is, Christ has risen from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
(1 Corinthians 15:22) For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made to live.
(1 Corinthians 15: 51-52) Behold I tell you a mystery; we shall all indeed rise, but we shall not all be changed - in anoment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall rise incorruptible and we shall be changed. For this corruptible body must put on incorruption and this mortal body must put on immortality.
(2 Corinthians 4:14) For we know that he who raised up Jesus will raise up us also with Jesus, and will place us with you.
(Ephesians 1:19-21) And what the exceeding greatness of his power towardsus who believe. Its measure is the working of his mighty power, which hehas wrought in kChrist in raising him from the dead, and setting him at his right hand in heaven above every Principality and Power and Virtue and Domination - in short, above every name that is named not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
(Philippians 3:21) Who will refashion the body of our lowliness, conforming it to the body of his glory be exerting the power by which he is able also to subject all things to himself.
(1 Thessalonians 4:14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so with him kGod will bring those also who have fallen asleep through Jesus.
(2 Thesaloniaans 1:7-9 For
the mystery of inquity is already at work; provided only that he who is
at present restraining it, does still restrain, until he is gotten out
of the way. And then the wicked one will be revealed, whom the Lord
Jesus wil slay with the breath of his mouth and will destroy with the brightness
of his coming. And his coming is according to the working of Satan
with all power and signs and lying wonders
FIFTH QUESTION: "What exactly does the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ mean to you, to me and every other person who believes and puts their faith in him?" Jesus was crucified for our sins which shows the love that God has for his people and his willingness to forgive our sins. The crucifixion and resurrection demonstrates the power which God has to save lives.The resurrection has also given us the ability to turn from sin, for the Spirit of the Lord, dwells within each and every one of us. It is this Spirit which helps us in our daily lives, a Spirit which would not have been possible if Jesus had not spilled his blood and arose on the third day.(Romans 8:11) Jesus will be the judge of all people on the final day of judgment.(Romans 2:16) As Christians, we know his promise that we shall dwell with him always, but, what you may ask will happen to those who do not believe. For their non-belief they will be seperated for eternity from Jesus, they will always be apart from his judgment.(2 Thessalonians 1:9)
In knowing these facts as Christians we should always strive to walk with our Lord.
(Acts 16:31) And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved and thy household
(Romans 2:16) This will take place on the day when accordidng to my gospel, God will judge the hidden secrets of men through Jesus Christ.
(Romans 8:11) But if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then he who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will also bring to life your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who dwells in you.
(1 Corinthians 15:21-27) For since by man came death, by a man also comes resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made to live. But each in his own turn, Christ as first-fruits, then they who are Christ's, who have believed at his coming. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when he does away with all sovereignty, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. And the last enemy to be destroyed will be death, for he has put all things under his feet. But when he say all things are subject to him, undoubtedly he is excepted who has subjected all things to him.
(2 Thessalonians 1:9) For they
themselves report concerning us how we entered among you, and how you turned
to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to await from heaven
Jesus, his Son, whom he raised from the dead, who has delivered us from
the wrath to come.
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