Articles
Resurrection of Jesus
WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS MEAN TO US?
God designed a plan and Jesus, His Son, put that plan into place. Our salvation depends on our faith and obedience to that plan. Jesus said, "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned (or lost)." (Mark 16:16)
To stop short of being baptized means we have not come into contact with the blood of Christ. (Romans 6) For one to hear and believe (have faith) up to the point of baptism is to disobey all Jesus said. There are religious men today who teach that very thing--that one can be saved WITHOUT BAPTISM. If you watch on your TV you will often see this taught. You can be saved by praying and "RECEIVING JESUS",, but never having to be baptized for remission of sins.
"And now why do you delay? Arise, and be BAPTIZED AND WASH AWAY YOUR SINS, calling on His name." (Acts 22:16) We see this clearly in the account of Saul of Tarsus becoming Paul the Christian and Apostle. Since baptism puts one "into Christ", without that step we fall short: "For all of you who were BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:27)
So, why was Jesus' resurrection of so much importance? Without the power Jesus put into the Gospel by HIS RESURRECTION (power over death) the saving plan of God would have stopped short - would have failed, man would have been eternally lost in sin.
"And corresponding to that, BAPTISM NOW SAVES YOU -- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience -- THROUGH THE RESURRECTON OF JESUS CHRIST." (1 Peter 3:21)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD." (1 Peter 1:3)
"And God RAISED HIM UP AGAIN, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." (Acts 2:24)
"...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)
We surely can learn from these few Scriptures as well as others in the New Testament the importance of JESUS RESURRECTION. It's that miraculous act that put the power in the Gospel, providing all men the blessing of hearing and obeying God's plan, and having hope of eternal life with Him and His Son.
Throughout history men have tried to alter or change God's plan to save man. Many "faiths" have been invented and followed as a result. However, how many does God give evidence for in His word.? He says " there is one faith, one church Jesus built, and one way to heaven." (Matthew 15:13;John 14:6) (Ephesians 4)
Our faith and trust rests in the power and blessing He has provided in the Gospel, and that by way of Jesus Resurrection. Paul gives considerable evidence to the church in First Corinthians Chapter Fifteen about the importance of HIS RESURRECTION. when questioned at the time. I suggest you read that important chapter. Thanks for your interest and time.
Ross
