The Sunday News
Talking Spiritually Rev Paul Bayethe Damasane
WE are enjoying the fact of the resurrection of Christ and the power that it gives to our faith in that we will also rise with him into eternity. Therein lies the stake of Christian faith. Had Christ not risen from the dead Christianity would be as dead as many other faiths. The testimony of the empty grave is evidence of the fact that we cannot seek the living among the dead. Limfunelani ophilayo kwabafileyo! Without doubt, what makes celebrating Easter significant for the Christian is wrapped up in one word: Resurrection.
Every year we take a day to remember and celebrate the impact of the resurrection. However, the Christian experiences the resurrection every day. Each day we celebrate the risen Lord, who sits on His throne after accomplishing salvation for mankind. The whole of Christianity hinges on the fact that Jesus Christ was resurrected on the third day. If the resurrection of Jesus were removed from Christianity, it would no longer be Christianity. Jesus’ words would be null and void, and we would be fools following a dead martyr. We would be just like the disciples on that sorrowful crucifixion day as they laid Him in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. One can only imagine the thoughts that must have raced through their minds; the discouragement and lack of hope.
We would be in the condition of which the Apostle Paul speaks in 1 Corinthians 15:13-17, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.” If there was no resurrection, then we are considered as fools to be most pitied. “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” If Christ was not who He said He was and did not do what He said He would do, then there would be no salvation for our sins. There would be no hope; we would be left floundering in this life only to face eternal judgment and wrath at the end.
Beloved, we know that is not the case. Jesus is alive. He is raised. He has conquered death. He is our Lord and Saviour. Hallelujah!
The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves many things. For example, the resurrection proves the Bible to be true. It proves that Jesus Christ’s words were true. It proves that Jesus Christ is God. Now, just briefly, because the resurrection of Jesus Christ is true and is the completion of the salvation of God, it brings with it five resounding truths that impact our life in Christ.
The Resurrection brings forth eternal life. Jesus says in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies.” Because Jesus rose from the grave, He gives eternal life to those who believe in Him. Most believers understand this truth. This is definitely a benefit of Christ’s salvation. Romans 4:25 states that Jesus is. . . “He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.” In order for God to justify us and declare us righteous, He had to raise Jesus from the dead. It is mind-blowing. Christ was raised in order that we might be made righteous. Christ was raised so that our sin might be dismissed and forgiven. Without the resurrection, we would be hopeless. Our eternal life is dependent on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Resurrection brings forth the forgiveness of our sins. Hebrews 2:17 states, “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” Christ in His resurrection brought forth forgiveness of our sins because He became the sin bearer. The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. But because Jesus is resurrected, He conquers death and brings forgiveness of sins to those who trust Him and have repented and believe that He is Lord.
The resurrection brings forth Christ’s Intercession for us. Since Jesus Christ was resurrected, He brings forth intercession or becomes our advocate before God, the Father. 1 John 2:1-2 tells us, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” Christ intercedes for us. What a great truth and blessing to know that our Lord cares for us. Satan is there accusing us, but Christ is there defending us.
Fourthly, the resurrection brings forth the Holy Spirit. Jesus says in John 16:7, “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” When He speaks of going away, He is talking about His death and resurrection. The Helper of Whom He is speaking here in context is the Holy Spirit. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to Heaven, we immediately see in Acts 2 the coming of the Holy Spirit, who descends on all believers. The Holy Spirit is significant in the life of the believer. He is the one who teaches and helps us understand the truth. He is the one who empowers us for His service. He is the one who gives us peace. He is the one who convicts us of sin. Without the resurrection, there would be no Holy Spirit here with us.
Finally, the resurrection of Jesus Christ brings forth spiritual gifts. In Ephesians 4:10-11 it reads, “He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things. And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers.” When Christ was resurrected, the Holy Spirit came and dispersed His gifts to His children. Ephesians 4:7-8 says, “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, ‘When He ascended on High, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.’” Jesus, raised from the dead, ascends to heaven and sends back spiritual gifts, so that we can serve God and the Church. That is all based on Christ’s resurrection.
So it is true that we cannot look for the living among the dead. All the five virtues mentioned above are important in the fact that they are in themselves live giving. We are alive because he lives! Lathi lingasifuni kwabafileyo ngobasilophilayo! Shalom!
