"He Is Risen" Part 3

"He Is Risen"

Part 3

       

      

   The Apostle Paul taught that had the Lord Jesus Christ not arose from the dead, we would all be "yet in our sins" (I Corinthians 15:17).  Our justification depends not only on our Savior's death, but also on His resurrection.

    "Jesus our Lord... was raised again for our justification"(Romans 4:24-25).

    To be justified, or made righteous, means that we are what God made us to be.  Before Christ, we are "alienated from the life of God" (Ephesians 4:18).  After we believe, the Holy Spirit indwells us, thus birthing us into being "the habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:22).  This was God's original purpose for humanity, that we might serve as the living temple of His involved and dynamic presence.  "I will dwell in them and walk in them" (II Corinthians 6:16).  Adam's sin led to his own alienation, along with all his offspring.  "In Adam, all die" (I Corinthians 15:22).  Thus, we required the redeeming work of the Lord Jesus on our behalf, including the resurrection whereby He ascended to Heaven to send the Holy Spirit to indwell all who believe.

    "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you" (John 16:7).

    No resurrection, no ascension.  No ascension, no sending the Holy Spirit.  No Holy Spirit, no justification.  We would rather remain an empty and lifeless temple that failed to serve its intended purpose as the temple of God.  Our Lord arose from the dead, first to overcome sin and death. Then, He returned to Heaven in order to take His rightful place as Lord of creation.  Finally, from His throne of authority, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell us with His presence and life.  We become in being and spiritual standing that which God made us to be, His habitation.  This is righteousness, or "the gift of righteousness" whereby we "reign in life by One, Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:17).  God raised His Son from the dead to raise us unto the rightness of being for which we exist… 

"Christ in you, the hope of glory."

(Colossians 1:27)

"Ye are risen with Him through faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead."

(Colossians 2:12)

Weekly Memory Verse

   Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

(Ephesians 4:25)