Resurrection

The risen Christ is our hope, our proof, and our future.

First Mention in Scripture

Original Word: ἀνάστασις (anastasis)

Reference: John 11:25

Meaning: Rising up, resurrection.

Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life." He does not just give resurrection — He is resurrection.

The resurrection is not a metaphor — it is the literal, bodily rising of Jesus from the dead.

It is the center of the gospel: 'If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith' (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Jesus’ resurrection is the proof that death is defeated, sin is paid for, and He truly is the Son of God. It’s not just the end of His story — it’s the beginning of ours.

In Christ, we too will rise — not as disembodied spirits, but with glorified bodies, fully redeemed. The resurrection gives meaning to life now, and hope beyond the grave.

Jesus Was Raised on the Third Day

Paul says the gospel is of “first importance” — that “Christ died for our sins… was buried… and was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

The resurrection is a real, historical event. Jesus appeared to over 500 people after rising from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:5–8). It is the cornerstone of Christian faith.

If Christ Has Not Been Raised...

Paul confronts the consequences: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

Without the resurrection:

•s The cross would have no confirmation

• Death would still reign

• Christianity would be a lie

• Our hope would be empty

But Christ has been raised — and that changes everything.

Christ Is the Firstfruits

Jesus is the first to rise in a glorified, immortal body — and all who belong to Him will follow.

“But in fact Christ has been raised… the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). The resurrection is not just past — it’s future. Our own bodily resurrection is guaranteed because of His.

We Will Be Changed

Paul explains that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God as we are — we must be changed.

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye… the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). This is not just resuscitation — it is transformation.

Victory Over Death

The resurrection is the final victory over our final enemy: death.

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55). Because Jesus rose, death is not the end — it’s been defeated.

This is why Paul ends the chapter with a call: “Be steadfast… always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (v. 58).

The Resurrection Shapes Our Present

The resurrection is not just our future hope — it transforms how we live now. “Since you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above” (Colossians 3:1).

We live as people of the risen King — empowered by the same Spirit that raised Him (Romans 8:11), and no longer enslaved to fear or sin.

Scripture References

The resurrection is not a side note — it is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope. Jesus is alive, death is defeated, and a new creation has begun. Because He rose, we will rise. Therefore, we live with boldness, we suffer with hope, and we die with confidence — for our Redeemer lives.

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