That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death ~ Philippians 3:10.
Introduction:
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most momentous events in human history, and the greatest mockery that death ever suffered (Luke 24:1-8). Death and grave never had it so bad; they were robbed of their highly priced victory because their powers couldn't hold Christ captive.
When Jesus rose from the dead, He was actually fulfilling a vital part of God’s Agenda for the ages (Revelation 13:8). If He had not risen, the gospel would have been a mere fable, and Christ’s mission, with all its glories would have been, at its best, only a perfect example of a worthless expectation.
If you take away the resurrection, the entire structure of Christianity would be lain in ruins, Jesus’ burial would have ended it all, and we, with no hope in view, would have had no assurance of any right-standing with God (1 Corinthians 15:13-15).
The resurrection is the key-stone of the arch of our holy faith. The unfeigned love, the passionate sacrifices and the rugged hope it bespeaks are very central to Christianity. Thus, every normal believer in Christ should be encouraged to fully understand, experience and walk in its reality, every day.
Happily, many passages in the New-Testament prove the resurrection of Jesus Christ beyond any shadow of a doubt. Even Jesus Himself predicted His own death and resurrection when He said: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19).
Of course, the religious authorities then didn’t understand the symbolism in those words. They focused, therefore, on their physical temple, but He was speaking of His own body, death and resurrection (John 2:21-22).
Furthermore, recognizing that Jesus had predicted His resurrection from the dead, they did everything in their power to put a final end to the ‘Jesus’ Movement’.
They reasoned that it would pose some grave dangers to their religious movement “if” the resurrection eventually happened: “So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch” (Matthew 27:66). But, in His infinite wisdom and power, God used their negative efforts to confirm the infallible proofs of the resurrection when Jesus Christ arose indeed.
The vicarious death of Jesus Christ was a very painful one indeed. He was arrested, turned over to the Gentile authorities, humiliated, brutalized, crucified at Calvary, died and was buried! But, all the cruel assaults, the ordeals of Friday’s crucifixion, and the agonies of Saturday’s uncertainties ended pretty well. Easter Sunday came, and Jesus arose, changing the entire gears of timeless hope, forever!
He broke loose from the grip of death and the grave, and arose by the Spirit of glory. If Satan could predict that the outcome would be like this, he would not have gone ahead with his crucifixion plan (1 Corinthians 2:8). See, the devil is not omniscient as some suppose; he’s actually very limited on many fronts.
A Very Strange Power On Display at the Resurrection
The resurrection of the Lord Jesus was a marvelous display of God’s majestic grandeur. And, as a great work that it was, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, were fully involved in it. However, much more amazing was the role that Jesus Christ Himself played in His own resurrection.
Naturally, death leaves man absolutely powerless, and a dead man cannot restore himself to life. But, not so with Jesus! He said, “I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again …” (John 10:17-18). And, He proved it on the Resurrection Sunday! He was the Master over death, even when death seemed to have mastered Him.
He entered the grave as a captive, but He left it as a conqueror. He was compassed by the bonds of death, but from those wrappings He unbound Himself and stepped into a glorious liberty. Behold, the dead and buried One made Himself to live! Herein is a marvelous thing! Alleluia!!
The Spirit of Jesus, which had travelled through the lands of Jerusalem and Judea, through the under-lands of hell and the grave, and upwards to the eternal glory, returned and re-entered that holy body, now dead, and revived it, because it must not see corruption (Acts 2:27-31).
Just imagine the body of Jesus, embalmed in spices, wrapped about with linen, and laid within the sealed and guarded tomb. He came forth to life? Strange power, isn’t it? Yes indeed, it’s an amazing and a most stupefying wonder!
Now, I cannot but ask aloud: if, in the extremity of His weakness, Jesus had such an incredible power to arise from the grave, what can He not accomplish for us, now that He’s risen and alive forever?
By the power of the resurrection, God confers on us today, powers to be forgiven and to overcome sin and Satan in our daily walks, to be conformed to Christ's likeness, and to enjoy total victory. We are chosen as His royal ambassadors and change agents on earth to relay His love to the whole world (Matthew 5:14; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20; 12:9).
Resurrection Power In Connection With Christ
The best of the Christian life does not come by head knowledge of doctrines, but via a personal experience of Christ through the operation of the Holy Ghost. You may know a man, and have an idea that he is powerful, but to have a personal experience of his influence over your life is another thing altogether.
Paul already knew the Lord Jesus by faith, but he now desired an intimate acquaintance with Him in order to truly experience His effectual power. It has to be Jesus Christ first, and then the power of His resurrection, and that must be our critical priority in this age and time as well.
The resurrection power makes eternal life available through Christ Jesus, which is the most important gain of the resurrection. He gives abundant life so very generously to all who would repent of their sins, and accept Him into their lives as Lord and Saviour.
Jesus Christ alone has immortality, essential and underived. Christ and life are not two different things. He says, “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). If you have Christ, you have both life and power, because the fullness of His power belongs to His people (John 1:16; Colossians 1:19).
Never forget that hell was left completely devastated when Jesus Christ arose from the dead and, till today, His voice echoes through the universe, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
Jesus defeated, disarmed and conquered Satan, permanently. He also kept every power that could take a stand against us under His feet, perpetually (Colossians 2:15). Brethren, jubilate! You won’t have to accept defeat in your life again. Believe Christ, activate His resurrection power inside you right now, and start walking in real dominion, every day. Happy Resurrection Sunday!
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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