Resurrection Power

If you have lived a while it is highly probable that the pain of death has pierced your heart in some way. Undoubtedly, you can recall the moment when you received the devastating news, ‘Your father/mother/brother/sister/wife/child has died,’ and the weight of those words hit you like a speeding train.

Have you ever taken notice of the countless individuals who transition from life to death? In 2023, a staggering 61 million people passed away globally, averaging at about 167,000 deaths per day. On Easter, the Christian community commemorated the only solution to mankind’s universal predicament of death: the triumphant Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the only human to conquer humanity’s ultimate foe (1 Corinthians 15:26). By placing our trust in him as our Lord and Savior, we have the assurance that we will make a complete turnaround on the path towards death.

John 5:24
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death unto life.”

It is noteworthy that the initial lie told by the Devil was that death does not exist (Genesis 3:4). It is disheartening, to say the least, that this lie continues to be perpetuated by many Christians, who believe that death brings a believer into the presence of God in some disembodied state. Why did the Devil tell this lie? Perhaps to downplay the terror of death, which he himself has brought about (Hebrews 2:14), and thus diminish the glorious truth of RESURRECTION. For if death is not truly the ‘end of life,’ as universally understood, then the concept of resurrection becomes unnecessary, if not absurd. Perhaps this is why God immediately foretold the death and resurrection of His only begotten Son (Genesis 3:15).

Hebrews 2:9
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.”

Hebrews 2:14-15
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

Hebrews 2:17
“For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”

The remarkable achievements of the Christians in the first century, as depicted in the Book of Acts, emphasize the main purpose of our existence as representatives of Jesus – to bear witness to his Resurrection through our words and actions. Here are a few instances that exemplify this notion:

Acts 1:22
“For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

Acts 3:15
“You killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.”

Acts 4:2
“They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.”

Acts 4:10-12
“Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.” Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Acts 13:29-30
“Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead.”

Acts 25:19
“Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.”

Called on the carpet by King Agrippa in the waning days of his ministry for preaching Jesus and the resurrection, Paul asked him a logical question that embodies the crux of Christianity:

Acts 26:8
“Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?”

During his earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated the reality of resurrection on numerous occasions by raising people from the dead. In so doing, he gave us a look into when he eventually will raise up all deceased believers to newness of life.

My exact moment of being born again as a young child is unknown to me, since I was God oriented as a young child by my believing parents, but you may recall the specific moment when you transitioned from death to life. Interestingly, in order to be a successful representative for Christ, we must now die to ourselves daily. In Philippians 3:10-11, Paul stated his longing to know Christ and experience the power of His resurrection, as well as share in His sufferings and be conformed to His death. His ultimate goal was to attain the resurrection from the dead.

The context shows that he cannot be speaking of a physical resurrection, but rather a newness of spiritual maturity – growth in one’s life as a result of selflessly sacrificing for the sake of another. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 expresses that same principle. As per Romans 6:5-11, we can reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Through the manifestation of speaking in tongues, we are given the unwavering certainty that our Lord will return for us, and that we will dwell eternally in a magnificent Paradise beyond our wildest dreams. This is our source of HOPE in this world, which could happen at any time. In the meantime, the one in whom you have placed your faith will hold you close as you navigate through this chaotic world. He is your ever-present companion, your intimate confidant, and your source of guidance, solace, healing, and wisdom.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is an event that we should always have in the forefront of our minds. It is a powerful reminder of God’s love, mercy, and power. It is a symbol of hope, a source of strength, and a message of redemption. As we remember the resurrection of Jesus, let us also reflect on the impact it has had on our lives and the world. May it continue to inspire and transform us, and may we never lose sight of its significance.

In Christ’s love,