Because He Is Risen

by Royce

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

While most of us only learn about Jesus’ resurrection from the Bible, have you ever considered that Jesus’ resurrection was the sole reason we get the Bible? Without Jesus’ resurrection, the message of the Bible might never have spread beyond the small group of his followers. The resurrection confirmed Jesus’ divinity and gave his message credibility, which led to the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.

It is a well-documented fact that early Christians, including prominent figures such as Peter, Paul, and James, faced persecution and even execution for their beliefs in Jesus’ resurrection. Their steadfast commitment to this belief, even in the face of great danger, is a testament to the profound impact that the resurrection had on their lives and the faith they held.

The belief in Jesus’ resurrection was not merely a personal conviction but also a significant theological claim. The resurrection affirmed Jesus’ messianic identity as prophesied in Isaiah 53 and solidified his followers’ belief that he was indeed the Son of God. This belief, though controversial and threatening to the ruling authorities, fueled the growth of the early Christian church and ultimately transformed the course of history.

For early Christians, the message of resurrection was not merely a belief but a transformative experience that they could not help but share with others. This message of hope and salvation has continued to inspire countless generations of believers.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts, filled with awe and wonder at the transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection. We thank you for the enduring influence of the New Testament, which continues to inspire and transform lives across generations and cultures.

As we reflect on the steadfast faith of early Christians who risked their lives to share the message of resurrection, we are humbled by their courage and conviction. We pray that you would grant us the same courage and conviction to boldly proclaim the message of hope and salvation that Jesus’ resurrection offers.

May we share the message of resurrection with those around us, and may it bring hope and transformation to all who hear it. We pray all of this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.