Blessed Resurrection Sunday!
Christians all over the world celebrate this glorious day, remembering and declaring the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
All good. But what about the rest of the year? The other 364 days? Do we live in light of the resurrection? What does it mean when we say that we believe in the resurrection?
Allow me to share at least four implications with you.
Promise
If we believe in the resurrection, we believe the Scriptures entirely, not part of it.
Paul tells us that Jesus was resurrected according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This means that everything that God says is true. He will fulfil every promise. We can stand upon His every word. The question is: “Do we believe it?” Because faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of God. Why do we believe in the resurrection, and still doubt everything else in His word? That is inconsistent and a misalignment. If we believe in the resurrection, we can believe the Scriptures and we will live our life according to every word that God says!
Power
If we believe in the resurrection, we believe in the power of God, that God is able.
In Ephesians 1:19-20, Paul prayed that we may know “what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places”. Our God is able, more than able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20). This power is the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead and that seated Him in heavenly places. If we believe in the resurrection, then we believe in the exceeding greatness of this same power. Nothing is impossible for God. He is very powerful. The question is: “Do we believe it?” Why do we believe in the resurrection, and still doubt God’s power? That is inconsistent and a misalignment. If we believe in the resurrection, we believe that God is able. More than able.
Purpose
If we believe in the resurrection, we will live our life in light of the resurrection with kingdom purpose.
If there is no resurrection, then we have no hope. When life ends, everything ends. If that is the case, then we have nothing to live for. We only live for ourselves. Paul says that “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19). If we believe in the resurrection, then there is great hope and purpose for us. If we believe in the resurrection, then we will prepare for the fullness of the kingdom. We have kingdom assignments to fulfil for the King and His everlasting kingdom. What we do now in this life, we are laying up heavenly treasures for the life to come. The question is: “Do we believe it?” Why do we believe in the resurrection, and live without purpose? That is inconsistent and a misalignment. If we believe in the resurrection, we will live our life with kingdom purpose.
Prize
If we believe in the resurrection, we can look to the rewards when we spend eternity with Jesus.
In Revelations 20:12, it says: “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” If we believe in the resurrection, then we also believe that we will stand before Jesus to give account. If we say that we believe in Jesus, then we will live our life entirely for Him for we are no longer our own, we belong to Him. Salvation is free. But rewards are earned. How we live for Jesus today will determine the prize & rewards we will receive when we stand before Him. If we believe in the resurrection, we will be obedient to the Lord. We will be faithful to fulfil the kingdom assignments Jesus assigns to us. The question is: “Do we believe it?” Why do we believe in the resurrection, and not press towards the goal of the prize in Christ Jesus? That is inconsistent and a misalignment. If we believe in the resurrection, we will do our best and go for the gold!
If we declare that we believe in the resurrection, these are important implications for us to consider. Here and now. Resurrection is not merely a future event to be looked forward to. Resurrection life and power are present realities for everyone in Christ. If we believe in the resurrection, it will determine how to live or die for Jesus and the sake of His kingdom.
If, however, you are not yet a believer of Jesus Christ, I have news for you. Resurrection and eternity apply to you too. When life ends, it will not be the end. Yes, you will also be resurrected to stand before Jesus. You will be judged according to everything you have done and said in this life. Without the blood of Jesus, without faith in Jesus, you will not stand a chance before a holy and righteous God. Eternity will not be good news for you; for Scriptures warn of eternal damnation and torment for those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Do not wait until the end, until it is too late. Now is the time to believe in Jesus.
Adapted from KINGDOM101 Teaching #133 “The End”. More teachings at kingdom.archippusawakening.org/kingdom101-teachings.
One Day At A Time 