Resurrection is a miracle. It is an essential tenet of the gospel, and yet there are many who call themselves Christians that do not believe in literal resurrection.
Such Christian unbelievers describe resurrection as a renewal in your life, turning your life around, rising from the ashes, or a fresh start.
None of these spiritualized explanations are the Biblical meaning of resurrection.
Resurrection is a dead person coming back to life.
I’m not talking about zombies, NDE’s (near death experiences), the movie Flatliners, or the after life. The Bible speaks of bodily resurrection.
A dead person is someone whose blood is not flowing, the brain waves have stopped, there is no breath, their cells have started to decay, the flowers are on the grave, and the obituary is already clipped out and placed in your Bible.
When that dead person opens their eyes, grabs the flowers, and walks into your living room… that is resurrection.
Jesus Christ resurrected.
Imagine the history altering, life changing, mind blowing consequence to seeing him resurrected. This was the reaction of the disciples, Paul, and the hundreds of others that saw him in flesh and bone (Luke 24:49).
“After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep… And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” – 1 Corinthians 15:6-8
The resurrection is what spurred Peter and the twelve to continue preaching the kingdom at Pentecost. It was the literal physical resurrection that converted the hardened unbeliever Saul and gave him charge over the dispensation of God’s grace.
Were hundreds of these men who saw Jesus resurrected liars, including doubting Thomas and Saul the cynic who denied the stories of Christ’s resurrection until they saw him with their own eyes?
The biggest problem facing humanity (including Ray Kurzweil) is death. The solution is not found in any natural power or pill, but in the supernatural power of the gospel of Christ’s resurrection.
Belief in resurrection testifies to a belief in God, a belief in miracles, and a belief in Jesus Christ.
According to Paul’s gospel, without the fact of resurrection, then our faith is vain, we are yet in our sins, and there is no hope against death.
“…if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” – 1 Corinthians 15:16-17
“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” – Romans 4:25
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
Christ has already been resurrected from the dead for my sake, and I believe that I will also resurrect after I die. This is faith in the God that saves me from death, and does what he says (1 Cor 15:1-4).
The gospel is a miracle. Resurrection is a miracle. Immortality is a miracle, and God gives it to all who trust in the power and promise in Christ’s resurrection.
“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” – 2 Tim 1:10
This is good news, do you believe it?
Article Index Published: October 12, 2013
Last Modified: March 15, 2018