Jesus’ Resurrection
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22
What happens after you die? Is that the end of your existence, or is there something beyond the grave? Those can be and often are troubling questions for many in our world. That need not be the case for the Christian who has been led by the Spirit to believe in our risen Savior! Paul assures us that “in Christ all shall be made alive!” Paul first mentions death’s source–the sin of Adam, our first father. In the garden Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and eat of the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6). Because of that act both sin and death entered the world, infecting and affecting every human being ever born into this world.
But Jesus Christ came to the rescue. Because of our heavenly Father’s love, Jesus came to live and to die for us. He had the power to lay down His life, but also had the power to take that life back again (John 10:18). This He did on the third day when He arose from the dead. Thereby He destroyed death’s hold on us human beings. He destroyed Satan’s power to use the fear of death to bind our human hearts and minds (Hebrews 2:14-15).
Now, even though we may die, we do so, knowing that Jesus, as Paul states, “has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Our bodies will indeed be placed in a grave but will not remain there forever. They will be raised from the dead to live forever in God’s presence, just as Jesus promised. When He stated to Martha after her brother Lazarus’ death: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). Jesus’ resurrection is an assurance for us all!
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won! Death no longer can appall me;
Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done! From the grave Christ will recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence; this shall be my confidence. Amen.
The Lutheran Hymnal 201:1