Yesuli International Ministries

 

By Joseph Ametepe

 

Introduction:

The testimony of eye witnesses, decisively and definitively recorded in the NT, was added to support the veracity of the resurrection of Jesus. These included: 1) John and Peter together (John 20:19-20); 2) Peter alone (Luke 24:34); 3) Mary of Magdala (John 20:10-18); 4) Two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-31); 5) the Twelve, except Thomas (John 20:19-24); 6) The Twelve, with Thomas (John 20:25-29); 7) the 500, only referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:6, had all seen the risen Christ in Galilee; 8) James, (1 Corinthians 15:7), the half-brother of the Lord, the author of the epistle by that name and the key leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13-21); 9) Many at the ascension (Acts 1:3-11); 10) Stephen (Acts 7:55); 11) Paul, on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6), and in Jerusalem (Acts 22:17-21; Acts 23:11), and 12) John the apostle, on the island of Patmos (Rev. 1:10-19).

Definition of the resurrection of Jesus:

The historic and holy act in which God the Father raised Jesus’ human body from the dead three days after His death on the cross at Golgotha. It is crucially important to make a distinction between resurrection and resuscitation. The latter is restoration to earthly life after death, and those so restored do die eventually (1 Kings 17:17-24; Matthew 9:18-26; John 11).

From the very beginning, belief in Jesus’ bodily resurrection has been a keystone of Christian faith. It is an essential element in apostolic preaching and teaching (Acts 2:24-36; 3:15-26; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; 13:34-37; 17:18-32). ~Adapted from The Revell Concise Bible Dictionary, p. 470.

Although Easter festivities were not divinely instituted (our Lord only instituted the Lord’s Supper and Baptism for the Church), yet the believer in Christ can use the occasion to personally and prayerfully ponder the blessings and benefits of the resurrection of Christ. In other words, the genuine born-again Christian can spend the time of celebrating our Lord’s resurrection to carefully and clearly consider the theological significance of it. Pondering these benefits and blessings during the celebration will greatly enrich our understanding of the importance of the resurrection of our Lord and gloriously enhance our gratitude to our Lord.

I would like to share 14 benefits or blessings of the resurrection of Christ for us to ponder not only during the Easter celebration, but also in our daily walk with Him. The first and foremost blessing of the resurrection of our Lord is its:

1. Proof of Jesus’ Deity (Romans 1:4).

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead provides the most compelling and conclusive evidence of His deity. Jesus is indeed God. He is divine. This is how the Spirit of God led Apostle Paul to state this evidence to the believers in the first century church of Rome. “And was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ, our Lord” (Romans 1:4; ESV).

In the preceding verse, that is, Romans 1:3, Paul, clearly and convincingly stated the humanity of Jesus. Jesus, he said, “was descended from David according to the flesh” (Romans 1:3). Paul is simply emphasizing that Jesus is an actual historical figure who lived as one of us on earth. In other words, He was fully man. But Paul quickly turned the attention of the believers at the first century Roman church from Jesus' humanness to His deity.  Paul wanted them to know that the historical figure Jesus, whose historicity was testified to by well-known ancient writers such as Roman historian, Tacitus and the familiar Jewish historian, Josephus and Pliny the Younger; is also divine.

Please notice that the Bible clearly and concisely states that, Jesus, “who was descended from David according to the flesh” (Romans 1:3), also “was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4; ESV). Romans 1:3 teaches Jesus’ humanity whilst Romans 1:4 teaches His deity.  The Greek word translated “declared” [“horisthentos”] is crucial to understanding the significance of the proof of Jesus’ deity. It originates from the Greek verb “horizo.” It means to bound, define, determine, distinguish or limit. It also means to mark out the boundaries or limits of something. Our English word “horizon” comes from this Greek verb. It’s the line that defines or determines or distinguishes the farthest visible part of the earth, from the sky. It’s a demarcation line, separating earth and sky. It therefore signifies that the resurrection of Jesus was a manifest proof of His deity. In other words, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead declared His deity. The Son of God was eternally God, but God declared Him openly to be so to men. The resurrection validates the deity of Jesus Christ. He is a divine person, truly and properly God. Indeed, He is a member of the Godhead. He is God (see John 5:18). Simply and significantly put, Jesus’ resurrection validates His deity.

Commenting on this verse, Bible Teacher and Pastor John MacArthur writes: “The resurrection Jesus Christ clearly divides him from the rest of humanity, providing irrefutable evidence that He is the Son of God. This title, used nearly in the Gospels, identifies Jesus Christ as the same essence as God. The resurrection clearly declared Jesus was deity, the expression of God in human form. While he was eternally the Son in anticipation of his incarnation, it was when he entered the world in incarnation that he was declared to all the world as the Son of God and took on the role of submission to the Father. In his incarnation, Christ voluntarily submitted to the will of the Father only through the direction, agency, and power of the Holy Spirit. His victory over death was the supreme demonstration and most conclusive evidence that He is God the Son.” ~ The MacArthur Study Bible, p.1647.

The second benefit arising from the resurrection of Jesus Christ is that it is the indisputable:

2. Proof Given for God’s Coming and Certain Righteous Judgment of the World (Acts 17:31).

In his address at the Areopagus – a court named for the hill on which it once met, Paul made the most of the blessed opportunity given to him to present the gospel. Paul stated in his gospel message to the men of Athens at the Areopagus that God is knowable (see Acts 17:23), that God is the Maker of everything and Lord of heaven and earth (see Acts 17:24). He also made known to them that God is the Self-Sufficient One and the Giver of life to all mankind (see Acts 17:25), and that He is not far from each one of us (see Acts 17:27). In concluding his message Paul stated that God overlooked the times of ignorance, “but now commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). He anticipated that his hearers would be asking: “Why is that? Why should all people everywhere repent? Paul, led by the Spirit, gave them the divine reason behind the command for all people everywhere to repent.

The divine reason is stated in Acts 17:31. In the New American Standard Bible it reads: “Because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed; having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”  Five key truths are revealed in this verse.

First is that the Day of Judgment is fixed by the Maker of everything and Lord of heaven and earth in His eternal purposes. This Day of Judgment will surely and certainly come. In fact, it’s fast approaching. It’s hastening to its appointed hour. But it’s not known to men or the angels of heaven, or the Son, but only to the Father (see Matthew 24:36). Since it’s not known to man, God in His sovereign wisdom and grace commands all people everywhere to turn from their sins to the Savior. All, Jews and Gentiles alike, must come to judgment. The day for this judgment has been appointed by God.

Second is that the whole world will be judged on that appointed day. The Bible says, “He will judge the world.” Every single soul, rich or poor, great or small, black or white, educated or uneducated, good or bad, righteous or wicked, will be judged. None will escape this judgment.

Third is that the judgment will be a righteous one. He will judge the world in righteousness. God is righteous and all He does is done in perfect righteousness. There will be no trace of partiality in His judgment. His judgment will reveal that the Judge of all the earth will do right. He will carry out this judgment according to His righteous standard. He will follow the perfect rules of justice and equity in meting out judgment on that appointed day. In fact, the righteousness of Christ will be the standard by which all people are judged. You see, the righteousness of Christ would have been received or rejected by men. Men would have been clothed with His righteousness, or would have been without it on that day.

Fourth, the appointed Judge on the Day of Judgment will be none other than the Person of Jesus Christ. The Bible says in our verse of focus: “He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He appointed.” The expression “a Man” does not at all mean that Paul is teaching that Jesus is a mere man. If He were a mere man, He would not be qualified to be the Judge of the living and the dead (see 2 Timothy 4:1). You see, to execute perfect and righteous judgment and mete out definitive sentence of acquittal or condemnation to the whole world, demands that the Judge has omniscience and omnipotence. Preaching to men who were practically pagans, Paul chose not to assert the deity of Jesus Christ at this point in his message. He wanted to let them know that, from all eternity, God had ordained Jesus to judge the whole world in righteousness. The Father has committed all judgment to Jesus. Our Lord Himself testified of this in His deeply tensed and tough encounter with the Jews on a Sabbath day in Jerusalem. Speaking with them, our Lord said: “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father” (John 5:21-23). Jesus added to His testimony: “And He [the Father] gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man” (John 5:27).

Fifth, the resurrection of Jesus is an undeniable proof, that He will most assuredly judge the world.  In other words, the resurrection of Christ gives assurance of judgment. The Bible says: “Because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed; having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was certainly God’s way of setting His seal of approval on His work on earth and acceptance of this work. It was also God the Father’s endorsement of Jesus’ claims to His special and unique relationship with the Father. The resurrection also affirms Christ’s sinlessness. He lived a perfect life. He always did the things that pleased the Father. He was “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heaven” (Hebrews 7:26). Jesus “committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). But His resurrection from the dead also gives a concrete and convincing proof that He is indeed God’s appointed Judge of the world. Through Jesus, God will surely judge the world. As such, all people should prepare themselves by repenting of their sin of unbelief.

The third blessing of the resurrection is that it:

3. Provides confident and convincing assurance to believers that God will always keep His word to them (Matthew 16: 21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19, Mark 8:31; 9:30-32; 10:32-34, Luke 9:22, 44-45; 18:31-33).

The Lord Jesus specifically and steadfastly predicted His death and His resurrection on the third day at least on three different occasions in three different locations. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all recorded our Lord’s predictions of His death and subsequent resurrection on the third day. Luke’s record of the first prediction is found in Luke 9:22. There, the Bible says: “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day” (NASB; cf. Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31). From the contexts of the parallel passages of Matthew and Mark, this prediction was probably made in the region of Caesarea Philippi (see Matthew 16:13-21 and Mark 8:27-31).

Matthew’s record of our Lord’s second prediction is stated in these solemn words. “And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day” And they were deeply grieved” (Matthew 17:22-23; NASB; cf. Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44-45).  The contexts of the three synoptic gospels clearly indicate that the second prediction was in Galilee. Matthew recorded the immediate response of the disciples upon hearing our Lord’s prediction. They were sorrowful. Their hearts were deeply saddened. They were greatly distressed. Their world was about to collapse.

Mark’s report of our Lord’s third prediction is stated in these words: “They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again” (Mark 10:32-34; NASB; cf. Matthew 20:17-19; Luke 18:31-33).

The third and last prediction of our Lord’s death and resurrection was spoken on the way to Jerusalem. It was there, that everything that He had been predicting would occur. His first prediction was way up north of Israel, in Caesarea Philippi. The second prediction was made in Galilee, northern Israel. The last was south of Israel, on the way to Jerusalem. The prediction was a solemn one. But the Lord Jesus spoke them with great confidence and conviction of heart.  Please notice that all throughout His predictions, the Lord Jesus used the language of certainty. “The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests.” “They will condemn Him.” “And will hand Him over to the Gentiles.” “They will mock Him and spit on Him.” “They will kill Him.” “And three days later He will rise again.”

What’s so interesting and inspiring is that each of these predictions happened exactly as our Lord predicted. The Son of Man was indeed delivered to the chief priests and the scribes (see Mark 14:53; Matthew 26:57; Luke 22:52, 66). Our Lord was condemned (see Mark 14:64; Luke 23:10; Matthew 26:65-66; 27:3). Jesus was certainly handed over to the Gentiles (see Matthew 27:2, 27; Mark 15:1, 16). Our Lord was also mocked and spat on (see Matthew 27:29-30; Mark 15:17-20; Luke 23:11). Jesus died just as He had predicted (see Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John 19:30). He rose victoriously from the dead on the third day exactly as He had spoken beforehand (see Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 24:1-31; Mark 16:1-13; John 20:1-23).

What’s the point of carefully detailing how each element of the predictions of Christ was fulfilled? Here is the point! God will always keep every word He personally speaks to the believer. He will fulfill every single promise He makes to His people. He will most assuredly bring to pass His word of promise to you and me. Why? The Scripture says in Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” The expected answer to the questions posed in the above verse is a resounding yes! Yes! Yes, indeed! God will most assuredly do what He has spoken. He will indeed make good what He has spoken. In other words, every promise, every proclamation, every prediction, God has made in His word, He will certainly bring to pass. None will fail. None will fall to the ground. All will be fulfilled in His time for the praise of His glory.

Similarly, every word of promise He has personally given to the believer, God will faithfully fulfill it. That’s why it is crucially important for the believer to learn to listen to the voice of the Lord, while spending time in His Word, as well as being attentive to the still small voice of the Spirit of God! Jesus’ resurrection from the dead guarantees believers that God will keep His every word to them. Genuine born-again believers can therefore expectantly and confidently look forward to the fulfillment of every promise God has given them in His time. This is so uplifting and hopeful!

The fourth benefit of the resurrection of Jesus is that it assures us of the:

4. Permanency of the salvation of genuine born again believers (Hebrew 7:24-25).

One of the greatest benefits of the resurrection of Jesus is that it makes more sure and secure the salvation of all genuine born again believers. In other words, their salvation is permanent. Unlike former priests, who existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing (Hebrews 7:23), Jesus lives on and prays for them. Speaking of Jesus in contrast to the former priests, the author of Hebrew writes: “But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:24-25; ESV).

The Greek translated “able” in the above passage is “dunatai.” It means to have the power to do something. In this context, it is to save. Jesus is deeply concerned about our salvation. He has an earnest desire for the salvation of sinners. He is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He, Jesus, came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus, it was, who “offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:12) – securing our salvation. But that’s not all. We are told that the ever-living, exalted, and glorified Jesus “is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He lives to intercede for them” (Hebrew 7:25).

The Greek word translated “uttermost” or “completely” or “forever,” is “panteles.” It is used only here and in Luke 13:11 (where a woman who had a disabling spirit and could not be fully straightened until she encountered Jesus). It means “complete, perfect, absolute.” It implies “in and through all times.”  What the Bible is indicating here is the absolute nature of our salvation. Apostle Paul reminded the believers of the first century church at Philippi that when God begins a work of salvation in a believer, He can be trusted to complete and perfect that work. Paul writes: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6; ESV). As far as God is concerned, His work of salvation in the believer is a work of perfection and permanency. God Himself commences it. He Himself continues it! And He Himself will assuredly complete it to the praise of His glory! Believer, take it to heart! God does not begin the work of salvation, and quit it midway. In fact, He does not start a work which He is unable to finish.

Our Lord’s resurrection and subsequent ceaseless, constant, or continually intercession or entreaty on our behalf gives us unshakable confidence that our salvation is forever. It’s complete! It’s forever! It’s permanent, not temporary. All who were saved from the foundation of the world through Christ, and all who shall be saved to the end of world will be saved through Him and remain forever saved. Oh what a glorious thought! In other words, our future in the sphere of salvation is guaranteed, both now and for all eternity. This is because, having been raised from the dead on the third day, Christ, lives forever, and faithfully entreats the Father on our behalf. As such, He is able to save us forever, permanently. He is able to make us into what we ought to be. So, let’s not sit back in unbelief and ignore His superabundant strength to make us all that He wants us to be, both in this life and in the life soon to come. Do you have an unshakable and unwavering faith that Jesus is able? Yes, able to save you forever? If you do, then live like it!

The fifth blessing of the resurrection is that it affirms that:

5. Power for holy living is available to all genuine born again believers through the indwelling Spirit (Romans 8:11).

The resurrection of Jesus is affirmed repeatedly in the Holy Scriptures.  They ascribe Christ’s resurrection to all three persons in the glorious Trinity. It’s sometimes attributed to the Father (Acts 2:24; Romans 6:4; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:15; Ephesians 1:19-20; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 1:21). Other times, it’s assigned to the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18). The Bible also states that Christ Himself rose from the dead. In John 10:18, the Lord Jesus Himself made an authoritative declaration of laying down His life and taking it up again after affirming His love for His Father (see John 10:17). He declared: “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father” (NASB). There is no conflict as to who raised Jesus from the dead. This is because the Trinity functions in perfect harmony and unity, even if we cannot fully understand how that happens.

Indeed, it is noteworthy that the Holy Writ ascribes Christ’s resurrection from the dead to all three persons in the Godhead. But equally important is the Bible’s teaching that because of the resurrection, power for holy living is available to all genuine born again believers. According to Romans 6:5, true born again Christians are united with Jesus in His resurrection. They died with Jesus and were buried with Him and were raised with Him. This is symbolized by water baptism (see Romans 6:3-4). Their union with Christ in His resurrection is further strengthened by the Bible’s teaching that the Spirit of Him that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in them and empowers them. Apostle Paul shared this powerful biblical truth with the believers in the first century Church of Rome. “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).

Three essential truths are revealed in the above verse. First, is that the Holy Spirit indeed dwells in all genuine born again believers. To emphasize this truth, the Bible uses the expression “dwells in you,” twice in Romans 8:11. The repetition is to emphasize the truth of the Spirit’s indwelling of believers. The Greek verb translated “dwells” is “oikeo.” It means to live, reside, inhabit or dwell in a certain place as one’s home permanently. Please notice that the verb is in the present tense. This is significant. The Bible is underscoring here that the Spirit continually dwells in believers, not only in this life, but also in the life soon to come. In other words, He is not an occasional visitor (as seems to be the case in the OT) but that He takes up permanent residence in believers. That is to say that, His indwelling is not a transient visit but a permanent presence.

The New Testament believer may grieve the Spirit, but he does not need to pray as David prayed: “Take not your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11b; ESV). Why? The Bible is emphasizing in Romans 8:11 that the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence in believers. He lives in them forever. He’s come to stay. He makes believers His forever home. Oh what a wonderful truth! The Holy Spirit lives in all true believers permanently. But the great question is: Does the Holy Spirit feel at home in your heart and life as a believer in Jesus Christ? Does He have you, the genuine born again Christian? Please be reminded, every genuine believer has the Holy Spirit. So, let Him be at home in your heart and life.

The second essential truth is that the resurrection of Jesus is attributed to the Father. I have already stated that the resurrection is ascribed to all three persons of the holy Trinity. The expression, “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead” seems to refer to God the Father. But the Spirit also played a role in raising Jesus from the dead (see Romans 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18). The same Holy Spirit who miraculously and marvelously brought about conception of the life of Jesus the Man in Mary’s womb (see Matthew 1:20) is the same Spirit who was involved in giving life to Jesus after He died as a Man! Oh, what wonder of wonders!

The third essential truth is that power for holy living is available to all true believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Notice the Bible says in the latter part of Romans 8:11: “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” The key phrase here is “give life.” It’s from the Greek verb “zoopoieo.”  It means to revitalize, make alive, quicken, vivify. The Bible is teaching us here that God the Father’s Spirit energizes or quickens believers here and now, even though they still have the old sinful nature. He imparts us with that same power which He exerted in raising Jesus from the dead. Through this power, released through the indwelling Spirit, God enables us to live holy lives now, in this present life. Believers do not have to wait till they get to heaven before living holy lives. Here and now, through the quickening power of the Spirit of the Father, every genuine believer can live a holy life now.

In His letter to the Christians at Ephesus, through the Spirit, Paul made an astonishing declaration, essentially stating that resurrection power is equal to resident power. He writes: “And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:19-21; NASB).

Through the Holy Spirit, Paul is reminding all true believers in Jesus Christ that the power God the Father exercised in raising the Lord Jesus from the dead is the same power that’s residing in them. Bible Teacher and Pastor John MacArthur, shares this brief and brilliant insight on this biblical truth. He writes: “God’s great power, that very power which raised Jesus from the dead and lifted him by ascension back to glory to take his seat at God’s right hand, is given to every believer at the time of salvation and is always available. Paul therefore did not pray that God’s power be given to believers but that they be aware of the power they already possessed in Christ and use it.” ~ The MacArthur Study Bible, p. 1758.

Power, yes, supernatural power, for holy living, through the Spirit of God, is abundantly available to all true Christians. The question to believer is: Are you aware that the power God the Father employed in raising Jesus from the dead is the same power residing in you? Are you making the mistake of praying for power to live a holy life, when you already possess it? Believer, are you utilizing the power residing in you to live a victorious Christian life, here and now? Christ-follower, are you taking full advantage of the indwelling Spirit’s enabling and empowering to live a Christ-like life now, despite the limitations imposed by sin? If not, why not?

The sixth benefit of the resurrection of Christ is that:

6. Promises about the future are guaranteed to be fulfilled because Christ has been raised indeed (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:31-46; Matthew 19:27-29; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).

The resurrection of Christ from the dead means that the promises God made for the future of His believing people will all be attained, and His plans carried to fruition. You see God’s promises for the future are closely connected with a Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Such promises as the Rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), the Return of Christ to judge the nations (Matthew 25:31-46), His Reward for the saints (Matthew 19:27-29), Relief to His afflicted ones (2 Thessalonians 1:7), His Repayment and Retribution to the enemies of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:6, 8-9), and other promises of God, would never be realized if Christ has not risen!

God’s promise of the Rapture of the Church vividly and visually described for us in 2 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (please take time to read it for yourself), would utterly be meaningless for the believer if Christ were still in the grave. But because Christ has been raised up from the dead, the believer in Jesus can confidently look forward to the promise of the Rapture. The risen and glorified Lord Himself will descend from His abode in heaven for His Church, both those who are asleep in Him and those who alive at His coming.

Similarly, God’s promise of the Return of Christ to judge the nations, brilliantly and boldly recorded in Matthew 25:31-46 (please take time to read it for yourself) would the greatest hoax in human history, if Jesus has not been raised. But because He has been victorious over the grave and death, God’s promise of His return to judge the nations is sure and settled. Oh nations, prepare to meet your Judge! The Risen Christ will be judging the dead and the living upon His return.

Also, God’s promise of Rewarding believers who have left all to follow Christ and for their faithful service in His kingdom, tenderly and touchingly promised in Matthew 19:27-30 (please take time to read it for yourself);  would be the greatest scam in human history, if Christ were still in the borrowed grave of Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:59). But Christ’s body only laid there for three days. He rose victoriously on the third day. And because Christ has risen and is alive, all genuine born again believers can confidently look forward to receiving their reward at the throne of God for following Christ and for their faithful service. Indeed, Jesus Himself promised:  “whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42; NASB). Earlier, He promised: “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward” (Matthew 10:41). Oh how gracious is our God! After saving us, strengthening us, sustaining us in His service, and supplying us with all that we need to serve successfully Him, He still chooses to reward us. And yes, in His grace, He will certainly reward us! It’s part of His amazing grace freely and fully bestowed upon us! Blessed be His glorious name!

Furthermore, God’s promise of giving Relief to His afflicted ones, briefly and blessedly recorded 2 Thessalonians 1:7 (please take time to read it for yourself) would be the greatest deception in human history, if Christ had not been raised. But Christ has been raised indeed. Therefore, believers who are being afflicted or suffering for the sake of the gospel of Jesus can have confident assurance that He will give them relief in their affliction when He is revealed in all His glory and majesty as Judge. Take heart afflicted believer! Your relief is on the way! Christ Himself will give you the relief and rest you need in your affliction!

Finally, the promises of God’s Repayment and Retribution to the enemies of the gospel, clearly and concisely recorded in 2 Thessalonians 1: 6, 8-9 (please take time to read it for yourself), would be the greatest joke in human history, if Christ were still in the grave.  But Christ is not still in the grave. He rose from the dead on the third day, and lives forever more. This should send chills down the spines of the enemies of the gospel. Christ, the Risen Lord and Judge will indeed repay them with affliction for afflicting those who believe in Him. Similarly, He will assuredly deal out retribution to all those who do not know Him and who do not obey His gospel. Mark it well! Jesus will not fail in repaying and dealing out retribution to the ungodly.

The seventh blessing of the resurrection is its:

7. Powerful declaration of the Lordship of Christ over the dead and the living (Rom. 14:9).

The focus of true and triumphant Christian living is never oneself. Everything the genuine believer does should be to please his or her Sovereign Lord, Jesus Christ. In other words, in all conditions, genuine born again believers are Christ’s, and are therefore obligated to do His will. This teaching was presented to the believers in the Church of Rome by Apostle Paul. He writes: “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8; ESV). The grand purpose of the life a true believer in Jesus is to live to do His will and to promote His honor and glory among men. Other people live to gratify themselves. But that’s not the case for the Christian. He or she lives to the Lord and dies to the Lord.

Immediately after this teaching, the Holy Spirit led Paul to make a powerful declaration of the Lordship of Jesus over both the dead and the living. “For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Romans 14:9). In the previous verse, Paul reveals that in all circumstances believers are the Lord’s. But now, he shows that Christ’s death and resurrection convincingly and categorically establishes Him as Lord both of the dead and of the living. God’s great design for Christ’s death and resurrection is to declare to the entire universe, His sovereign and supreme Lordship over the dead and of the living.  Notice the Bible says, “Christ died and lived again.” The Bible is affirming both the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His death was real. So was His resurrection. Christ was raised and restored to life in order that He might exercise dominion over the dead and the living.

That’s precisely why the Bible says: “that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Romans 14:9b). The expression “be Lord,” means to “rule over.” It implies the idea of Christ being “possessor” or “owner” as well as “ruler.” Christ is the possessor of the believer’s life and all. He is the owner of the believer. And yes, Christ and He alone is the ruler of the believer’s heart. This means, Christ and Christ alone must exercise complete dominion over all, as the Sovereign and Supreme Lord. He exercises this total dominion over the dead, that is, those who are deceased or who have gone to another state of existence. Their bodies may have decayed in the grave, but their spirits are safe in hands of their Lord. He is indeed their protector and Lord. They are safe are secure under His universal rule and dominion.

The Risen and Living Christ is also Lord of the living, that is, to those who are ransomed and redeemed, while they remain in this present life. They were bought by His precious blood to be His. As such, they are to live for His glory (see 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18).

Bible commentator Albert Barnes eloquently shares this insight on this verse: “Jesus, by death and resurrection, established a dominion over the grave. He destroyed him that had the power of death, Hebrew 2:14, and triumphed over him; Colossians 2:15. Satan is a humbled foe; and his scepter over the grave is wrested from his hands. When Jesus rose, in spite of all the power of Satan and of people, he burst the band of death, and made an invasion on the dominions of the dead and showed that he had power to control all.” ~Bible Hub (biblehub.com)

Our Lord died not only to free us from sin, but to bring our lives completely under His control.  His chief design is to establish Himself as Sovereign over the saints in His presence and those still on earth.

The eighth blessing of the resurrection is that it asserts that:

8. Preaching is not useless because Christ has been raised (1 Corinthians 15:14a).

1 Corinthians 15 is the most extensive exposition of resurrection in the entire Bible. Both the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospels and the resurrection of His true followers as predicted and promised in the Gospels are carefully and clearly explained. In commencing his Spirit-guided teaching on the resurrection, Paul first took time to review the key evidences for the resurrection of Jesus. They include: 1) the gospel message he preached to the Corinthians (vv. 1-2); 2) the witness of the Scriptures (vv. 3-4); 3) the eyewitnesses (vv. 5-7); 4) Paul himself (vv. 8-10); 5) the common message preached by the early preachers (v. 11).

After presenting these evidences for the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, Paul turned his attention to answer those who said there would be no resurrection. You see, the Corinthian Christians believed in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, or else they could not have been genuine born again believers. But some in the Corinthian Church had difficulty embracing and understanding the resurrection of believers in Christ. In responding to them, Paul thoughtfully and tenderly proceeded to state six devastating consequences which must follow if it indeed be true that there was no resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.  But Paul would end his thoughtful and tender response in 1 Corinthians 15:20 – specifically and succinctly asserting that Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.

The first disastrous consequence Paul spelled out, if indeed Christ had not been raised is that preaching is useless. “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14a; ESV). At the beginning of his response, Paul stated that “if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised” (1 Corinthians 15:13). Paul’s argument was simple and straightforward. “Let it be known to you, oh Corinthians, you who have been saying there is no resurrection, that if that be the case, then Christ Himself has not been raised. He is dead and still remains dead.” As such, our preaching is useless. The Greek for “vain” [kenon] is empty, unreal, useless, groundless, or unprofitable. It also seems to include the idea of idle, false. You see, preaching Christ as the resurrected Son of God was the main subject of the preaching of the early Christians (see Acts 1:22; 2:32; 4:10, 33; 13:37; Romans 1:4).  In other words, the substance of the first preachers of the gospel was that Christ was victoriously and gloriously raised from the dead on the third day. In fact, one can say that all their preaching was based on that. So, if that were not true, it would be useless to proclaim among men, such a doctrine. This is because, it could save no one.

But thanks be God Christ has indeed been raised from the dead. Therefore, preaching is not useless. It’s useful. It’s not vain. It’s vital! Indeed, it's a valuable means of reaching souls for Christ in all nations and in all generations. It’s not empty. It’s an effective way of drawing lost sinners to Christ and strengthening the faith of the saints. It’s not idle. It’s an investment which brings eternal rewards. It’s not false. Rather, it’s a faithful proclamation of what God has done through His Begotten Son for the salvation of sinners.

Believer in Jesus, do you desire to hear the preaching of the Word of God? Do you pay close attention to your pastor’s faithful preaching to build up your faith in Christ? Do you earnestly long for the Spirit to work through the preaching of the Word of God to make you more and more like Christ? What about preachers? Are you faithful in preaching the Word of God in its purity and simplicity? Or are you following those who are “performing and putting on a great show” rather than preaching? Do you desire their platform, power, popularity, and prestige? Is the Holy Spirit using your preaching to make an eternal difference in the lives of people? God is looking for preachers who will faithfully preach the Word of God in its purity and simplicity in such a time as this. “Please my Father, make me such a preacher in my generation for the praise of Your glory and grace! In Jesus’ name I pray! Amen!”

The ninth benefit of the resurrection is that:

9. Personal faith in Christ is not futile and worthless because Christ has indeed been raised (1 Corinthians 15:14b, 17a).

A second devastating consequence Paul presented to those who said there was no resurrection is that faith is in vain. “And your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14b). It’s interesting to note that Paul wrote “your faith,” not “our faith.” He was speaking directly to the doubters who said there was no resurrection. You see, Paul and the early apostles had preached a Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Corinthians and others had believed wholeheartedly in a risen Lord and Savior. But now, some were saying there is no resurrection; therefore Christ is not raised. Paul argues that if Christ is not raised, then not only preaching but also personal faith in Christ is also vain and useless. Paul says to them: “You have a vain faith in you if you believe in a dead and unresurrected Christ.” In other words, their faith is without any real solid foundation, and devoid of truth. It’s useless to believe. If the object of the Christian’s faith is based on the preaching that the Son of God and the Savior of sinners has risen from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father in heaven, they believed a falsehood if Jesus be not risen.

Indeed, personal faith can be of no advantage to anyone if Christ had not been raised from the dead. In fact, Christ Jesus would be the greatest pretender in human history. Why? He had authoritatively and repeatedly announced that He would indeed rise from dead on the third day (see Matthew 16:21; 18:22-23; 20:17-19). The whole of His message and teaching depended on that. All their hopes, and their belief and all their convictions would have been false and delusional if indeed, Christ had not been raised. They must be prepared to embrace the fact that all the evidences and truths the apostles faithfully and fearlessly preached, which had stirred up their minds and gladly won and warmed their hearts were false and delusive, if indeed Christ had not risen from the dead.

In fact, the Spirit led Paul to repeat the disastrous consequence already mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:14a. “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless” (1 Corinthians 15:17b; NASB). It was fuller, and with more reference to its present and future devastating results in 1 Corinthians 15:15b. We will look at that in a moment. The Greek word translated “worthless” or “futile” is “mataia.” It means without use, fruitless. Personal faith in a Christ who has not risen and is still in the grave is totally useless and futile.

But Christ has indeed been raised. Hallelujah! Therefore, our personal faith in Him is not futile. It’s fulfilling both in this life and in the life soon to come. It’s not fruitless. It’s fruitful – yielding eternal dividends beyond belief. It’s not useless. It’s useful. Indeed, it’s the most useful thing for any human to do on this earth before taking his last breath. Do you have personal saving faith in Jesus, the Son of God and the Risen Savior? If so, is your personal faith in Him growing day by day? Are you nourishing your faith in Christ by reading and meditating on His Word?

The tenth blessing of the resurrection is that:

10. Preachers who preach the truth are not perjurers, because Christ has been raised (1 Corinthians 15:15).

If Christ has indeed not been raised from the dead, not only would preaching and personal faith in Him be in vain, but also the true preachers of the truth of God would be found to be perjurers. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:15, now presents a third calamitous consequence which must follow if it be true that Christ has not been raised. “Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised” (NASB).  If indeed, Christ has not been raised, then the apostles were false witnesses. They were perjurers. In fact, they were guilty of deliberate falsehood. In other words, they were misrepresenting the one true God of the universe. They had borne witness of God that He raised up the Christ. “This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32; cf. Acts 4:33; Acts 13:30). They testified that they had seen the risen Christ with their eyes.  They looked upon Him. They also bore witness that they had touched Him with their hands after His resurrection (see 1 John 1:1-2). They had put their hands into His wounds, and knew for certain that it was their Lord and Savior.  But if the dead are not raised, then the apostles were bearing false witness against the holy and one true God. They would therefore be guilty of perjury. Because they claimed that God did raise Christ, what in fact He did not do. In other words, the apostles went about giving lying testimony against God. They were therefore the worst impostors.

Bible Commentator Albert Barnes writes: “It will be found that we have affirmed that which is not true of God; or have said that he has done that which he has not done. Nothing could be regarded as a greater crime than this, whatever might be the immediate subject under consideration. To bear false witness of a man, or to say that a man has done what he has not done, is regarded as a grievous crime. How much more so to bear false testimony of God!” ~ BibleHub (biblehub.com)

But the early preachers who preached the truth and preachers today who are preaching the truth of the Bible are not perjurers. They are personal messengers of God. They are not false. They are faithful witnesses of God proclaiming the faithful word of God to those who have hearts to receive and respond to it. Of course, there are those so-called preachers who are not of God and misrepresent God and misapply God’s truths and mislead the simple-minded and naïve. Jude (see Jude 1:4), John (see 1 John 2:18-19; 2 John 1:7), Peter (see 2 Peter 2:1-3), and Paul (see Acts 20:29-30), all warned God’s people to beware of such perjurers. In fact, Paul and his fellow-ministers made a commitment to steer clear of the practice of tampering with the word of God. “But we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 4:2; NASB).

Today, this resolute commitment to steer clear of the practice of adulterating the word of God is needed among the true preachers of the truth of God! I thank God for His true preachers who have not only made this resolute commitment but are living by it.

The eleventh blessing of the resurrection is that:

11. Pardon for sin is available to repentant sinners because Christ has indeed been raised (1 Corinthians 15:17b).

The fourth disastrous consequence Paul clearly and concisely sets forth is found in 1 Corinthians 15:17b. But it is necessary to quote the whole verse. “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17; ESV). Paul’s argument here can be simply stated as follows: “If Christ were still in the grave, you will also be in your sins.” Why? It’s because a dead Savior cannot pardon let alone save the living. If Christ has not been raised, the consequence will be that we will still be wallowing in our sins like pigs wallowing in the mire – unpardoned, unredeemed, unregenerate, and unrenewed. This is certainly the worst condition for mankind. Why is that? We are sinners. We are marred by sin.  And most humbling of all, we cannot atone for our sins.

The Bible testifies that “both Jews and Greeks are all under sin” (Romans 3:9b). It also declares that “all have sinned and short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and that we have sin and do sin (see 1 John 1:8, 10). We are therefore desperately in need for pardon and a peace that endures. But if Christ has not been raised, His atoning sacrifice for our sins would be ineffective. Our hope of being pardoned for all our sins would have disappeared. Our cherished belief that our sins are forgiven would have been greatly disappointed. We would still be in the state of sin. We would still be living under the dominion of sin.

But thanks be to God! Christ has been raised. His once for all perfect sacrifice for our sins is effective and enduring. Pardon for sin is available to all repentant sinners because Christ has indeed been raised. We can celebrate God’s pardon with the hymn writer Thomas Obadiah Chisholm (1866-1960) – the writer of Great Is Thy Faithfulness.  The third stanza reads: “Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!”

The twelfth benefit of the resurrection is that:

12. Perdition will not be the lot of those who had fallen asleep in Christ since He has risen (1 Corinthians 15:18).

Paul goes on to set forth the fifth devastating result which must follow if it be true that Christ has not been raised. It’s solemnly and succinctly stated in 1 Corinthians 15:18. “Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished” (ESV).

This statement is solemn and sobering. The Bible is teaching that one of the dire consequences which must follow from the denial of the resurrection is that those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. Who are “those who have fallen asleep in Christ?”  The Greek word for “fallen asleep” is “koimethentes.” It derives from “koimao.”  Our English word “coma” derives from this verb. It means to put to sleep, to slumber. Figuratively, it means “to decease, or be dead.” Death is often represented by a sleep. In other words, the expression “fallen asleep” is a common euphemism for death. This means that “those who have fallen asleep in Christ” are genuine born-again Christians, not just mere church-goers, who have died in Christ. Stephen, James the brother of John, others, and later Paul all died in Christ. They had fixed all their hopes in Christ. They had trusted Jesus as their Lord and Risen Savior. They had believed to have been saved by the merits of Christ. But if Jesus had not risen from the dead, they had believed in vain. They were not only duped and deluded, but destroyed. They had failed of salvation. They were lost for eternity.

The Greek for “have perished” is “apolonto.” It comes from the root verb “apollumi.” It means to destroy fully. Literally or figuratively, it means “to destroy utterly, die, lose, mar.” It means "to be destroyed whether temporarily or eternally." Without resurrection, the believer like the unbeliever would have perished. They would have been destroyed or lost.  If Christ had not risen, all who had believed in Him, all who had hoped in Him as their Redeemer, that is, all who had died, expressing genuine personal faith in Him, would be in a worse state than the rest of mankind. Why? Perdition would be their lot after the grave.  Especially at the time, and under the circumstances in which Paul wrote, it would have been unimaginable. You see, at the time Paul wrote, believers in Jesus were hated and persecuted by all men. They would have suffered greatly in this life and in the life soon to come, perdition. In other words, a state of misery will be their portion after the grave.

But perdition will never be the lot of those who have died in Christ. Why? Because Christ, who died to save and redeem them, has indeed been raised. Indeed, a prosperous future is awaiting them. For the Judge of all the earth will do right (see Genesis 18:25) by them and not destroy them with all the wicked of the nations.

Therefore, believer in Jesus, take heart! All your loved ones, and your best friends, and your fellow Christians, who have died in Christ, will not go down to perdition. They will not be lost for eternity. Yes, they will not be abandoned. Their hopes of heaven will not disappear into thin air. You can, and I can, confidently look forward to reuniting with them at the throne of God! Oh, what a great comfort!

The thirteenth blessing of the resurrection is that:

13. Pity will not define those who hope in Christ because He has indeed been raised (1 Corinthians 15:19).

The sixth and final cataclysmic outcome if it is indeed true that Christ has not risen is stated in 1 Corinthians 15:19. There, it is written: “If in Christ we have hope in this life, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:19; ESV). Please think of the sacrifices the apostles and the early Christians had made in the light of the hope of the life to come! “Some were tortured, refusing to accept release…Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-…wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth” (Hebrews 11:35b-38). What a variety of dangers and sufferings believers experienced in the first century and are still experiencing today for Christ’s sake!

Paul described his own and his fellow ministers personal sacrifices and sufferings for the sake of the gospel in 2 Corinthians 4:8-12; 6:4-5 and 11:23-28. The last description is the most exhaustive description of Paul’s sufferings for the cause of Christ recorded in 2 Corinthians. “Are they servants of Christ? - I speak as if insane - I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonment, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five time times I received from the Jews thirty nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches” (1 Corinthians 11:23-28; NASB).

You see, Paul and the apostles and the early Christians were continually exposed to hardships and persecutions. Paul argues that if Christ is not risen, then the hope of believers must end with this life. In other words, if we look for nothing beyond the grave, we are of all men most miserable. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then there is no future state in which believers can enjoy the promised blessings of God. After sacrificing so much, and suffering so much and selflessly exposing themselves to every possible danger for the cause of Christ, they are of all men most to be pitied.

The Greek for “most to be pitied” is “eleeinoteroi.” It derives from “eleeinos,” which means “worthy of pity, more deserving of pity, more pitiable, full of misery.” It is used only twice in the New Testament, namely here in 1 Corinthians 15:19 and Revelation 3:17. Think of it! Throughout the ages, believers have been regarded as the most reviled people of the human family. Not only that, they have suffered more and are still suffering more from persecution, poverty, and perils than other people groups on earth! And if, after all these, they were to be robbed of all their hopes and heaven, their condition would be more deplorable, more disappointing, more despairing than that of any other people on the face of the earth.

But indeed, Christ has risen and pity will not be the lot of believers in Jesus. Rather, they can look forward to pleasures beyond description in the presence of their Lord and Savior in glory. Misery will not characterize their life after the grave. Rather, marveling at the goodness, grace and glory of God will mark their future life. Delight in the presence of, not despair will be the blessing they will enjoy in the afterlife.

The fourteenth and final blessing of the resurrection is as follows:

14. Personal resurrection of believers is guaranteed because of Christ's resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Turning away from speaking about the disastrous consequences, if it be true that Christ was not raised from the dead, with confidence and conviction of heart, Paul now asserts that Christ has been raised. His resurrection guarantees the personal resurrection of all who are united by faith to Christ, but has fallen asleep. He confidently declares in the Spirit: “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Paul was certain and so eager to speak of “what he knew.” After patiently going through the slow process of stating the consequences of a denial of the resurrection, Paul joyfully and jubilantly spoke of “what he knew.” He knew that Christ has indeed been raised from the dead. He was certain of that fact. Why? He had personally seen Christ after He had been raised from the dead (see Acts 9:1-19; 18:9-11; 22:6-21).  As such, Paul could not doubt the truth that Christ has risen indeed. He had personally witnessed with his own eyes the Risen Savior. That is why Paul makes a strong assertion about the resurrection of Christ. And in doing so, he confidently affirms that the dead will also rise.

Paul uses the expression “first-fruits” in affirming that dead will also rise. “First fruits” is “aparche” in the Greek.  It occurs also in Romans 8:23; 11:16; 16:5; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 16:15; James 1:18; and Revelation 14.4. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to bring on the morrow after the Sabbath, a sheaf of first-fruits of their harvest to the priest, to be waved before the Lord, who by accepting it, made it an example and a pledge of the future harvest (see Leviticus 23:10-14).

It would interest you to know that our Lord arose on the very day on which first-fruits were offered. As such, He is called "the first-fruits of those who asleep." This is because Christ is the first person who was raised from the dead to die no more, and because His resurrection is an example and an earnest of the resurrection of the righteous.

Bible Commentator Albert Barnes shares this insightful comment in bringing out the special force in the word “now” in 1 Corinthians 15:20.  He writes: “The meaning may thus be expressed: “I have showed the consequences which would follow from the supposition that Christ was not raised up. I have shown how it would destroy all of our hopes, plunge us into grief, annihilate our faith, make our preaching vain, and involve us in the belief that our pious friends have perished, and that we are yet in our sins. I have shown how it would produce the deepest disappointment and misery. But all this was supposition. There is no reason to apprehend any such consequences, or to be thus alarmed. “Christ” is “risen.” Of that there is no doubt. That is not to be called in question. It is established by irrefragable testimony; and consequently our hopes are not vain, our faith is not useless, our pious friends have not perished, and we shall not be disappointed.” ~Bible Hub (biblehub.com)

Conclusion

Many are the benefits or blessings of the resurrection of Jesus for genuine believers in Christ to carefully and constantly ponder in order to deepen their appreciation of the significance of this all important doctrine of the church. Certainly, the season of celebrating our Lord's death and resurrection is an opportune time to pause and ponder them. But contemplating or mulling over these benefits or blessings is not limited to the season of celebrating our Lord's death and resurrection. It's something the believer in Christ should often do to gain a richer understanding of its importance for his or her Christian life.

We examined 14 benefits or blessings of the resurrection of Jesus. First, is it's proof of the deity of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead provides the most compelling and conclusive evidence of His deity. Second,  it's the proof given for God's certain and coming righteous judgment of the world. God provided an indisputable assurance to all that He will indeed judge the world at the end of the age through Jesus, whom He raised from the dead. All men everywhere should therefore repent before the coming Day of Judgment. Third, it provides believers with confident and convincing assurance that God will always keep His word to them. Jesus predicted His death and resurrection on the third day, at least on three different occasions. It happened exactly as He predicted - giving believers unshakable confidence that God will always do what He says.

Fourth, it guarantees the permanency of the salvation of all genuine born-again believers because Jesus, having risen from the dead, is now interceding for them. Fifth, it reassures us that power for holy living is available to all genuine born-again believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Sixth, promises about the future are guaranteed to be fulfilled because Christ indeed has been raised. The seventh benefit of the resurrection is its powerful declaration of the Lordship of Jesus Christ over the dead and the living. The eighth blessing of the resurrection is its assertion that preaching is not useless because Christ has been raised. Similarly, the ninth benefit of the resurrection contends that our personal faith in Christ is not futile and worthless because He has indeed been raised. The tenth benefit of the resurrection is its claim that preachers who preach the truth are not perjurers because Christ has been raised.

The eleventh blessing of the resurrection is that pardon for sin is available to repentant sinners because Christ has indeed been raised. The twelfth benefit of the resurrection is the assertion that perdition will not be the lot of those who had fallen asleep in Christ since He has been raised. The thirteenth benefit of the resurrection is its blessed assurance that pity will not define those who hope in Christ because He has indeed been raised. The fourteenth benefit of the resurrection brings us this good news: personal resurrection of believers is guaranteed because of Christ's resurrection. His resurrection was an example and an earnest for our future personal resurrection.

Do believers deserve these benefits or blessings arising out of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? No! Not all! The God of all grace, has chosen to bestow them upon our lives. Ours is to continually offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving and so honor Him (see Psalm 50:23) for freely and faithfully bestowing them upon us.

"Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen" (Hebrews 13:20-21; NASB).