Resurrection Life – What it Means and How You Can Have It
We have celebrated Easter. But what does it mean? What is resurrection life? Jesus lives a resurrected life but can we live that same life? What does it look like for us?
Throughout the New Testament, we see the power of the resurrection in description and in the lives lived. This resurrection life is possible for all who believe. Our response means everything but first we must review the basics.
The Cross
The economy of God says that sin results in death.
But God is merciful and gracious. He has demonstrated that from the first sin, substitutionary death has been sufficient.
We see substitutionary death demonstrated in the Garden of Eden and by Abel, Noah and Abraham. With Moses and the Law a system of sacrifice was established.
But the final solution was Jesus.
He was sinless, so could not die for his own sin. Jesus is timeless, so the sacrifice could be once for all time. He is also infinite, so his sacrifice would be sufficient for all people.
The Resurrection
Death is our enemy. All hope is lost in death. Our future is obliterated in death. Our final days become nearly meaningless in the face of death.
We have a natural aversion to dying that stays with us even after we are saved.
Jesus resurrection was a real historic event. Just as his death was the complete solution to sin, the resurrection is the complete solution to death.
His resurrection validated everything he ever did or taught. His resurrection is also for our benefit – that our earthly death is not the end of our life.
The Expectation
What Jesus did makes it possible to escape from the bondage of sin. Further, it made a new life possible. This is a life of victory. We can know and experience the reality that sin can be forgiven – sufficient sacrifice has been made. We no longer have to be chained to a life of sin. Our sin can be completely taken away.
You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 1 John 3:5–6 (ESV)
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:8–9 (ESV)
Jesus made it possible to live a life that is absolutely free from sin by his death and resurrection. We do not have to sin!
But Jesus did not make it possible to escape from the limitations and weakness of humanity. It is important for us to realize this.
Temptation still comes, meaning it is possible to sin, however there is always a way out as 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises.
Suffering continues as long as we live on this earth. Whether from illness or sorrow or disappointment or hardship, suffering is a reality of the fallen world.
Hard work is still required for us to follow Jesus. It takes discipline, perseverance and consistency. God helps with all those things but it can still be hard.
The Response
The first reasonable response to Jesus’ death and resurrection is to accept the sacrifice. This means:
- Repent – change your mind and stop insisting on doing things your way.
- Confess your sins – ask for forgiveness.
- Believe – exercise just a little faith and experience new life in Jesus.
Next, be grateful for the sacrifice. One of the highlights of the Easter season is to pause in gratitude for what God accomplished through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Pause right now and give thanks. Gratitude should mark our daily life of following Jesus. We follow because of his mercy and grace not based on our merit or worthiness.
Follow and live the life he has called you to. It’s never enough just to confess your sins.
Jesus calls you to follow him. Commitment to follow is implied in repentance but it is not always practiced. Remember that your life following Jesus will look radically different than your old life of following your own way.
Enjoy a life free from the bondage of sin. He will radically remove sin from your life.
Trust his powerful touch. Know that there is no temptation that can overcome you – his power is greater. Joyfully face each day knowing you are free from sin.
And, please, let me know how you are doing. If this has been helpful to you, pass it along so you can encourage someone else.
Recent Comments