Resurrection: Practical implications Joy Murickal Issac, Kerala Resurrection is one of the basic doctrines of Christianity, and it is a powerful teaching and promise of God. The secret of resurrection maybe beyond science for some but it is proved by the Word of God - The seeds of each plant rise after a long period. “And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.” (1 Cori 15:37-38) Importance Resurrection may not be familiar to many communities, but Jesus Christ referred to it in His sermon and demonstrated it through His own resurrection. To Martha He said, "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. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25, 26) Many may find it difficult to believe in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead, but without faith in the death and resurrection of Christ, no one can be saved from their sins. (Romans 10:9) Apostle Paul wrote poignantly, “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised 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, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” (1 Cor. 15:12–17) Without the doctrine of resurrection, Christian faith is worthless and all the efforts in Christ’s name are a waste! The main point of 1Corithians 15 is Paul’s argument to assure every believer of the resurrection, both of the Lord as well as the saints in Christ. Evidenced by the Apostles The dramatic transformation that took place in the lives of the feeble, frightened apostles soon after meeting the risen Savior is noteworthy. By the end of the gospels, we see them to be timid, even returning to their past profession - fishing. However, the forty days post-resurrection appearances of the risen Lord strengthened their faith (Acts 1: 1ff). From Acts 2 onwards we see them witnessing to the resurrection of Christ boldly and courageously, despite the threat of the Jews. They spoke to the Jewish priests and elders, “we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) Implications If we strongly believe in the resurrection of Christ with our whole heart, then so many of our perspectives, mentality, and motives will drastically change. We will be able to sing even when imprisoned for the sake of gospel. We won’t be afraid of death or life. If have the courage to die for Christ and the truth, any circumstances will not stop us. Nowadays, the conditions in several parts of India are just as in the apostolic era. The days are coming soon when every believer will have to pay dearly for their faith. If we die for the Lord, we will be raised up and receive a reward. You might ask, “What is the guarantee?” Christ has risen up from the dead! Apostle Paul’s words in the context of resurrection are challenging, “..always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (2 Cor. 4:10, 11) “Knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.” (2 Cori. 4:14) My beloved brethren, let us live and die for the Lord Jesus and the wonderful faith that we hold on to. It is rewarding, encouraging, hopeful, and peaceful. Let us worship God who saved and blessed us to be partakers of the abundance of opportunity and inheritances of heavenly blessings.

Grace & Peace e-periodical Vol. 19 No. 3| March 2024  In this issue: - Perspective: The Death of Christ Outline: -1 Sufferings of Christ according to Peter Outline:-2   Results of the Resurrection Anecdote: Substitute Soldier  Practical: - 1 Appropriating the Death of Christ as a Believer Practical: -2  Resurrection Ground: A Believer’s Perspective Meditation: The Resurrection Power of Christ Exhortation: Resurrection: Practical implications Reflection: Why No Easter Celebration? Gospel:How to Escape Death?

22/02/24

---

More:- An index for all studies

You can reproduce this article in any medium, provided it is unedited, and retain the original author / copyright information and reference to this website. For details contact    gracepeaceu AT gmail.com

Home |  About Us  |  Meditations |  E-periodical |  Site Map |  Comments |   Audio|   Search|   Brethren|