Sunday, April 24, 2011

The Power of the Resurrection - Past, Present and Future

The resurrection is a powerful event…there is not an event in history that could surpass the greatness of the resurrection. But we must be careful to not just see the resurrection as an historical event. Yes, it did happen and when it did, the atoning work of Christ was complete for you and for me. And the centrality of the atonement must be taught and preached in the church, or we cannot call ourselves Christian. The resurrection has tremendous implications…

The Resurrection Saves You FROM

  • Saves us from the wrath to come – 1 Thess. 1: 10
  • Saves us from the slavery to sin – Romans 7
  • Saves us from the devil - John 8: 44
  • Saves us from the power of darkness – Colossians 1: 13
  • Saves us from the law – (law weakened by the flesh). He did what we could not do - Romans 7:1
  • Saves us from the law of sin and death – Romans 8:2

However, an event like the resurrection should not just be views in history, but in the present and future as well. In the present, we must realize the power in the resurrection. Our lives are different as a result of the living Christ. The implications of the resurrection continue, but into our lives today…

The Resurrection Saves of TO

  • Saves us to union with Christ – John 6: 5
  • Saves us to eternal life – John 3: 16
  • Save us unto participation in the triune life of God – John 17
  • Saved us for knowing God John 17: 3
  • Saves us for freedom - Galatians 5: 1
  • Saved into community – 1 Corn. 12
  • Saved into the Commission and Mission of God – Matthew 28: 18-20
  • Saved into the Kingdom of God – made agents for reconciliation

Lastly, the resurrection gives us tremendous hope in the future. As a Christian, I know that my life on this earth will end some day, but I am also confident in the hope of eternal life found only in Jesus Christ. Peter wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1: 3-5, ESV).

In the resurrection, Jesus overcame death and the grave…and He is still conquering the grave today. We have a living hope in Jesus Christ…so we can face death with a sense of loss and joy, knowing that we will be living eternal with Jesus Christ.

My heart is full today. I am awe filled with the wonder and love of my God. The resurrection makes all the difference to me…I pray that I will be able to continue to serve in the name of Jesus Christ…for His glory and for His honor. Have a Blessed Easter!

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