Biblically, what is the power of the Resurrection, and why should believers in Jesus have hope of resurrection to eternal life?
The Power of the Resurrection
Muslims consider belief in the Day of Resurrection, known as Yawm al-Qiyama, an essential part of their faith. However, they do not accept the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Instead, they believe that Jesus ascended into heaven without dying and being resurrected. According to Islamic belief, he will support a special Muslim leader, Mahdi, in establishing Islam during his second coming. After fulfilling this role, Jesus will eventually die. Like everyone else, he will rise again on the Day of Judgment and Resurrection.
Many people, including Muslims, often ask why we emphasize the resurrection of Jesus. Some seek a simple Biblical answer: Why should we have hope in our resurrection to eternal life?
A straightforward answer is that Jesus sacrificed His life to redeem us from eternal death by conquering death and being resurrected. He assures believers of eternal fellowship with Him. The resurrection was not merely a historical event; it demonstrated God’s transformative power, which changes our lives and guarantees our eternal future. The Bible describes the power of the resurrection in various ways:
1. Power Over Sin and Death
• “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
• “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)
The resurrection shows that Christ’s victory over sin and death is complete. Death no longer has the final word for those who believe in Him.
2. Power to Live a Transformed Life
• “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection.” (Philippians 3:10)
• “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Through the resurrection, we are spiritually renewed and empowered to live in holiness and overcome sin.
3. Power Through the Holy Spirit
• “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead works in believers, providing spiritual strength and enabling us to live godly lives.
Why Should We Have Hope in Our Resurrection to Eternal Life?
1. Jesus’ Resurrection Guarantees Our Own
• “Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)
• “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man” (1 Corinthians 15:21).
Christ’s resurrection is the "first fruits," indicating He is the first of many who will rise. His victory over death guarantees that we, too, will attain eternal life.
2. We Will Receive Glorified, Imperishable Bodies
• “The body that is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)
We will receive glorified bodies that will never die, suffer, or decay.
3. We Have an Eternal Home with God
• “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
Due to the resurrection, we anticipate an eternity in God’s presence, free from suffering and death.
4. The Resurrection Confirms God’s Faithfulness
• “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
God’s promise of eternal life is assured because Christ has already defeated death.
Conclusion:
The resurrection is the foundation of our faith, demonstrating Jesus’s victory over sin and death. It transforms our lives and secures our hope for eternal life. As believers in Jesus, we can confidently look forward to our resurrection, knowing we will be with Christ forever.