GETTING THE MESSAGE/Christ, 'the resurrection and the life'
Christ’s purpose in coming was to save us. By his death and resurrection, those who believe in him are redeemed from their sin and declared justified in the court of God. It was as necessary that Christ should be raised from the dead, as that he should die. Christ, in our nature, arose from the dead and ascended into heaven, so that we, having believed in him, no longer are guilty people under the power and fear of death.
In this passage, 2nd Corinthians 1:8-11, Paul makes an argument of comfort from God’s power in raising the dead. He that can raise the body out of the grave can raise you out of misery or whatever trouble you may be in.
In Romans 4, Paul says that Abraham, though he and Sarah were past the time to have children, believed God’s promise of a multitude of descendants because he believed in God, “who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.”
Therefore, the resurrection of Christ is an argument to strengthen our faith, not only in facing death, but in all miseries whatsoever. Faith is strengthened when we consider not only the grace of God in our salvation, but the power of God in it. We believe in the resurrection of the body. We also believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
When God created, he made all out of nothing, order out of confusion, light out of darkness. When a sinner is dead in sin, when he is furthest from grace and despairs of mercy, it is then he has the most need of God to make him alive and justify him. It is when bones are dry that they need God to raise them up. This is God’s manner of working.
If you belong to Christ, you have been raised from the dead by the power of God. Those who have been spiritually raised testify that they were dead in sin and now are made alive in Christ. Every day in the church all around the world God is raising the dead spiritually. When the ministry of the word is in power, the dead hear the voice of Christ.
The truth of God’s favor and power at work in the believer gave comfort to those facing death. The three young men in the book of Daniel found their comfort in this; surely God is able to deliver us if he will. The book of Hebrews said that they and others like them “hoped for a better resurrection.” If God wouldn’t deliver them here, he will raise them to a greater hope. I read on a Christian’s gravestone: “I died hoping, and my dust and ashes believe in life.”
That God raises the dead is an argument against Satan when he accuses the believer. His accusation when we feel dead spiritually, either because of our struggle with sin or some other misery, is What do you have to do with God? He has forsaken you. But faith answers him, No! I believe in God who raises the dead. I may be a great sinner, but God will magnify his mercy in me. So, God uses the devil to drive his people to prayer and dependence upon Christ.
If you are low in faith, do not despair. You are a fit object for the power of Christ; don’t add to sin with unbelief. Be honest before God. If God can raise the dead, he can raise you out of the mire and muck you are in and draw your admiration and praise to where it should be: upon him.
Christ is “the resurrection and the life.” If you aren’t sure of your standing with him, now is the time to secure, for yourself, a part in the resurrection of those justified by faith. Unite with Christ by faith, rising spiritually from sin and glorifying God with your body.
The resurrection of Christ, that God raises the dead, is our greatest hope, both here in this world and in the better world to come. Whatever losses I’ve had or whatever crosses I may have to bear, let me trust in God who raises the dead, and who gave me his Son for everlasting life. When we think of Christ’s resurrection, let us remember that the mercy of God is as great as the power of God. We can depend upon our God in life and in death.
The Rev. Chris Shelton is pastor of Union’s First Presbyterian Church.