Three Words That Change Everything
He is risen. Luke 24:6
He is risen. Luke 24:6
What do the following verses say about why the resurrection of Jesus Christ is so important?
1. Romans 1:4
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ powerfully declared His divine identity. It wasn’t the resurrection that made Him the Son of God—but it confirmed what was already true, fulfilling His own prophecy in Matthew 16:21. As J. Vernon McGee rightly observes, the resurrection didn’t create His Sonship; it revealed it.
Equally significant is the role of the Holy Spirit in this miraculous event. While it was the Father who sent the Son to the cross, it was the Spirit who raised Him from the grave. The beautifully displays the unified work of the Trinity in the resurrection—an extraordinary act that proclaims not only Christ’s victory over death but the very nature of God Himself.
Equally significant is the role of the Holy Spirit in this miraculous event. While it was the Father who sent the Son to the cross, it was the Spirit who raised Him from the grave. The beautifully displays the unified work of the Trinity in the resurrection—an extraordinary act that proclaims not only Christ’s victory over death but the very nature of God Himself.
1. J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible, Volume 4: Matthew-Romans (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.9.3) notes on Romans 1:4
2. Romans 14:9
notes
The resurrection wasn’t just an abstract miracle—it had a purpose: to establish Jesus as Lord over all. It affirms Jesus’ authority not just over the living but also over the dead—His dominion spans all realms of human existence. And it implies His continuing reign. Because He lives, His authority is active and eternal.
The resurrection of Jesus was not just a miraculous event but a purposeful event that established His authority over all people—both the living and the dead. His death was the sacrifice for sin, and His resurrection confirmed His victory and secured His position as Lord of all. This means that Jesus is not only Savior but also Sovereign, with rightful rule over every person throughout history and into eternity. It also establshese accountability by virtue of his ongoing rule.
The resurrection of Jesus was not just a miraculous event but a purposeful event that established His authority over all people—both the living and the dead. His death was the sacrifice for sin, and His resurrection confirmed His victory and secured His position as Lord of all. This means that Jesus is not only Savior but also Sovereign, with rightful rule over every person throughout history and into eternity. It also establshese accountability by virtue of his ongoing rule.
3. Romans 10:9
notes
Belief in the resurrection is essential for salvation: Believing in the resurrection isn’t optional—it’s a central requirement for being saved because it validates Jesus’ identity. The resurrection proves that Jesus is who He claimed to be—Lord and Savior. It calls for personal faith. It’s not just intellectual agreement; it’s a heartfelt trust in the risen Christ. It connects confession and belief: Salvation involves both outward confession of Jesus’ lordship and inward belief in His resurrection, showing the unity of faith and action.
4. 1 Peter 1:21
notes
Jesus was not resuscitated from a near death experience, but was made alive by God's power after literal death. Furthermore, through is post resurrection appearances and eventual ascension, Jesus was bestowed with the glory of God the Father. All this is the basis upon which the believer, trusts in God. Eager expectation of believer's own resurrection is fueled by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Timothy Keller said, “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching, but whether or not he rose from the dead.”*
*Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, (Penguin, NY, 2008) p. 210
Timothy Keller said, “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching, but whether or not he rose from the dead.”*
*Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, (Penguin, NY, 2008) p. 210
5. Romans 6: 7-9
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ grants us power over sin and death. Trusting in the risen Lord brings immediate liberation from a life dominated by sin. It means we're no longer obligated to follow sinful impulses as we were before. Instead, we are empowered to live for God. Sin loses its control, and death no longer has the last word, as highlighted in passages like 1 Corinthians 15:57 and Romans 6:14.
6. Romans 8:11
notes
Jesus' resurrection guarantees our own, as seen in passages like John 14:19; Romans 6:4, 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14, 15:20-23; 2 Corinthians 1:9, 4:14. While Jesus' death deals with our sin, His resurrection conquers our death. Our hope of our own resurrection is rooted in the Holy Spirit, part of the Trinity, who raised Jesus. Peterson underscores that if the God who brought Jesus back to life is with us, He'll transform us too.
1. Eugene Peterson, The Message (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.9.3) notes on Romans 8:11
7. Romans 4:25
notes
The resurrection of Jesus accomplishes our justification, a legal term signifying being declared not guilty. As guilty sinners, our declaration of innocence is solely based on God accepting Jesus Christ's death on our behalf. The resurrection serves as God's approval and confirmation of the atoning sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. According to John MacArthur, Jesus's death paid for our sins, and His resurrection provided indisputable proof that the payment was complete.
1. John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Romans 1-8 (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.9.3) notes on Romans 4:25
8. 1 Peter 1:3-4
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ makes us into new people. Salvation begins with God's compassionate gaze upon our desperate state (Ephesians 2:5) and is realized through Christ's atoning work on the cross (Romans 3:23-25). His accompanying resurrection leads to the creation of a completely new person, marked by a new nature (Colossians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Furthermore, Jesus's resurrection instills hope. In the biblical context, hope is not mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation and eager anticipation. It's described as "confident optimism" by MacArthur. This living hope genuinely influences believers' perspectives on all aspects of life, especially in facing challenges and hardships. It directs their focus toward a better future rather than dwelling solely on the present.
Moreover, the resurrection ensures eternal security. Believers possess an immeasurable treasure—heaven, which is their birthright. This eternal destiny is unchangeable and unalterable, providing a sense of unwavering assurance.
Furthermore, Jesus's resurrection instills hope. In the biblical context, hope is not mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation and eager anticipation. It's described as "confident optimism" by MacArthur. This living hope genuinely influences believers' perspectives on all aspects of life, especially in facing challenges and hardships. It directs their focus toward a better future rather than dwelling solely on the present.
Moreover, the resurrection ensures eternal security. Believers possess an immeasurable treasure—heaven, which is their birthright. This eternal destiny is unchangeable and unalterable, providing a sense of unwavering assurance.
9. Romans 8:34
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ eliminates the guilt charged against us. In the heavenly courtroom, Satan may try to accuse us, but Jesus, through His death and resurrection, overrides these charges. When faced with accusations, believers can confidently declare their Savior's victory over sin and claim salvation, power, and authority. This assurance is a settled reality, secured for now and forever.
Furthermore, Jesus's resurrection positions Him as our intercessor. His ascension to the highest authority allows Him to intercede on our behalf. He focuses His prayers on our trust in God's love, regardless of circumstances, as reflected in passages like Romans 8:35-39; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25.
Furthermore, Jesus's resurrection positions Him as our intercessor. His ascension to the highest authority allows Him to intercede on our behalf. He focuses His prayers on our trust in God's love, regardless of circumstances, as reflected in passages like Romans 8:35-39; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25.
1. Daniel L. Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Revelation (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.10.1) Notes on Revelation 12:10
10. Acts 17:31
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ establishes Him as the ultimate Judge. A day will come when everyone, believers and unbelievers alike, will be held accountable before Jesus. Unbelievers will face judgment for their refusal to believe, leading to eternal separation from God. On the other hand, believers will undergo a judgment, not resulting in eternal separation, but as an assessment of how they lived their Christian lives, as mentioned in passages like 2 Corinthians 5:10, Acts 10:42, and Romans 14:10.
11. 2 Timothy 2:8
notes
The core message of the gospel is indeed centered on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The good news is that His triumph over death ensures the hope and promise of resurrection for all believers. It signifies not only the forgiveness of sins through His death, but also the assurance of eternal life through His resurrection. The resurrection is a pivotal and joyous part of the gospel, offering hope, redemption, and the prospect of life beyond death.
12. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is meant to be personally shared as a crucial aspect of the message about Him. While there are many things to say about Jesus, none is more significant than His substitutional death and resurrection.
The resurrection holds a central place in the gospel narrative, fulfilling ancient prophecies such as Psalm 16:10. Paul, during his missionary journeys, frequently referenced Old Testament passages like Psalm 22, Daniel 12:2-3, Job 19:25-26, Isaiah 53, Jonah 1:17, and Hosea 6:1-2 to underscore Jesus' death and resurrection. Drawing parallels with events like the offering of Isaac, the Mosaic sacrificial system, the Day of Atonement, Aaron's rod, and the story of Jonah, Paul illustrated that Jesus' resurrection was not only anticipated by the Old Testament but also pointed to a future beyond the present, aligning with the overarching hope found in Scripture.
The resurrection holds a central place in the gospel narrative, fulfilling ancient prophecies such as Psalm 16:10. Paul, during his missionary journeys, frequently referenced Old Testament passages like Psalm 22, Daniel 12:2-3, Job 19:25-26, Isaiah 53, Jonah 1:17, and Hosea 6:1-2 to underscore Jesus' death and resurrection. Drawing parallels with events like the offering of Isaac, the Mosaic sacrificial system, the Day of Atonement, Aaron's rod, and the story of Jonah, Paul illustrated that Jesus' resurrection was not only anticipated by the Old Testament but also pointed to a future beyond the present, aligning with the overarching hope found in Scripture.
1. J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible Commentary: Volumes 1-5 (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.9.3) notes on 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
13. 1 Corinthians 15:20
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is grounded in factual evidence, supported by the testimony of those who knew Him both before His death and after His resurrection (1 John 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8; John 19:35; 2 Peter 1:16).
This resurrection holds profound significance, providing meaning and purpose to life (1 Corinthians 15:14-19). It validates the teachings of the Apostles, adds value to our faith, and removes our guilt. Moreover, it brings comfort to those mourning the death of a believer and brings honor to followers of Christ (Hebrews 11:38).
Jesus' resurrection is the first in a sequence of resurrections (1 Corinthians 15:23; Colossians 1:18). The subsequent resurrections include believers and result in eternal life, occurring in two phases: the Rapture, involving all Christians, and a later phase at the end of the Tribulation, involving Old Testament saints and Tribulation martyrs. Conversely, there is a resurrection known as the second death (Revelation 20:11-15, 2:11, 20:6, 21:8), transpiring at the Great White Throne after the Millennium. This resurrection involves unbelievers from all time, resulting in eternal separation from God.
The broader consequence of Jesus' resurrection is the resurrection of everyone. For believers, it means receiving new, glorified, eternal bodies, free from the effects of sin, sickness, and death (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-57). In contrast, for unbelievers, it leads to the reunion of the soul with a body destined for endless pain and irrevocable separation from God (Luke 16:19-26).
This resurrection holds profound significance, providing meaning and purpose to life (1 Corinthians 15:14-19). It validates the teachings of the Apostles, adds value to our faith, and removes our guilt. Moreover, it brings comfort to those mourning the death of a believer and brings honor to followers of Christ (Hebrews 11:38).
Jesus' resurrection is the first in a sequence of resurrections (1 Corinthians 15:23; Colossians 1:18). The subsequent resurrections include believers and result in eternal life, occurring in two phases: the Rapture, involving all Christians, and a later phase at the end of the Tribulation, involving Old Testament saints and Tribulation martyrs. Conversely, there is a resurrection known as the second death (Revelation 20:11-15, 2:11, 20:6, 21:8), transpiring at the Great White Throne after the Millennium. This resurrection involves unbelievers from all time, resulting in eternal separation from God.
The broader consequence of Jesus' resurrection is the resurrection of everyone. For believers, it means receiving new, glorified, eternal bodies, free from the effects of sin, sickness, and death (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-57). In contrast, for unbelievers, it leads to the reunion of the soul with a body destined for endless pain and irrevocable separation from God (Luke 16:19-26).
Summary
"To be saved, we must believe in the resurrection of Christ. The physical, bodily resurrection of the Lord is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. This momentous event proves that Jesus overcame Satan, sin, and death. If He did not rise again, then we would remain stuck in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). But He did rise from the grave, powerfully demonstrating that all who believe in Him will overcome sin and death and will live with Him for eternity. As Jesus told His disciples, “Because I live, you also will live”" (John 14:19).*
* Got Questions: What Must I Believe to be Saved?
* Got Questions: What Must I Believe to be Saved?
Other Resources
- Read: Why is the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important? Got Questions
- Watch: Why is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Important? (3:11) Got Questions