CHRIST’S RESURRECTION: THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY

The death and resurrection of Christ were foretold hundreds of years before His unusual birth. He also foretold both events to His disciples (though they did not initially understand Him). Hundreds witnessed His resurrection, . The Son of God was sacrificed on our behalf for the purpose of atoning for our sins. When Jesus taught this to the people of that time, many considered it heresy and as a result, they demanded His death by crucifixion, a common means of punishment for lawbreakers at that time. Instead of offering a defence before the councils, Jesus was silent. It was the Divine plan from the beginning of time, that this be done so that we might have forgiveness and life.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is however a gift from God and a fulfillment of His promise. It is the very foundation of Christianity.  Every man is born with a sin nature as a result of the disobedience of Adam in the Garden of Eden. The Lord tells us that there is a price to be paid for sin and that price is death. “For the wages of sin is death, …” (Romans 6:23). A life without Christ therefore can only offer eternal death, but the acceptance of Jesus as our risen Saviour gives us eternal life. Because eternal death is not what God wants for us, He provided a way of atonement through the crucifixion of His Son, Jesus, and His resurrection. Though it was possible for Him to die, it was not possible for Him to be held by death. Indeed, God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead and He has conquered death. Hence Jesus demonstrated His power over death before and after His resurrection.  During His earthly ministry, He raised many from the dead, these included Jairus’ daughter (Matt. 9:25), the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:14) and Lazarus (John 11:43).

When Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha died, it was a terrible blow on the inhabitants of Bethany. The grief of Mary and Martha knew no bounds. Jesus had been a friend to the family that was now in great grief over the death of one of the members.  A message had earlier been sent to Jesus when Lazarus was still sick, but He said the sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God.   Alas! By the time He arrived, Lazarus had died and his corpse had been laid in the grave four days by which time it was believed that his death had become irreversible. It must have taken Jesus and His disciples two days before they got to Bethany. Hope was lost. Lazarus had gone forever.

When Jesus eventually came, Martha said to Him “…Lord,” … “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (John 11:21-22). Martha was saying in essence: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died, but now that you are here, the situation is not beyond your control. Now that you are here, my sadness will turn to joy. Now that you are present, your presence will make the difference.” What a conviction! What a faith! Quickly Jesus assured Martha with these word  “…your brother shall rise again” (John 11:23).  Jesus followed these words of assurance with actually raising Lazarus from the dead and handing him over to his surprised sisters (John 11:43-44).

Christ’s resurrection is the cardinal point of our faith and the centre of our message. If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and the faith of the believer is vain and futile (1 Cor. 15: 14,17). But through the resurrection of Christ, we have new life (11 Tim. 1:9-10), new birth (1 Peter 1:3), and new beginning (11 Cor. 5:17). Christ’s resurrection offers us victory, authority and power over Satan.

Beloved, do not forget that Christ died that man may die no more; He is risen to demonstrate His power, authority and victory over death; and after His resurrection He went to heaven to prepare a place for us in His Father’s Kingdom (Romans 8:15- 17). If by now anyone still doubts the resurrection of Jesus Christ and perhaps hope only in Him in this passing world, such person is to be pitied more than all men (1Cor.15:19). Above all, it is essential to know that Christ shall come again, to judge the living and the dead. The crucial question here is, “Where will you and I be when Christ shall return?” It is our prayer that on that glorious day when Christ shall come, may He find us ready and worthy in His sight. AMEN. Alleluia! Christ is risen; He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Have a victorious week as you delight yourself in the One who has conquered death.

Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon

S.Igein Isemede