“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Col 3:1).
The resurrection account of Jesus has been a controversial issue from the very first day. Matthew 28 relates how the guards at the tomb were bribed into telling a false story of what they personally experienced when Jesus rose from the dead. “Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day” (Matt 28:11-15).
However, John records a scene in heaven that should remove all doubt about the physical resurrection of Jesus from the grave!
“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty…. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Rev 1:4-8,17,18).
The resurrection is the core source of power to the child of God for living the new life in Christ! No other religion can even come close to the power of the gospel in living the resurrected life. This power frees us from sin, forgives all past offenses, sets our feet upon the rock Christ Jesus, and establishes our coming in and going out forever, if we allow it to do its work in us!
This risen life is both a possession and a position the born-again child of God has in Christ, as we by faith receive the atonement for our souls in the death and resurrection of our lord Jesus Christ. Praise His Name!
~ Salem, OH
April 2013