18. Why did Jesus rise again?

Key Verses / Passages

He was delivered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification. Romans 4:25

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life…  So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:4,11

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Discussion

In the past, wars were won decisively by the complete destruction of the enemy. The victors would destroy all the soldiers, take the citizens into slavery and have a big parade when they came home, leading the slaves into the city. 

This was a grand gesture to declare - We Won!!! 

So, there were two parts to the victory, the fighting and the after-party.

Jesus fought a war on our behalf.  When Adam and Eve sinned against God (Genesis 3), they effectively handed the rest of humanity over to the spiritual power known as Satan.  We are separated from God the Father due to our “sin” for which the penalty Is death.  Jesus was given as the final, full and perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.

Salvation FROM is also salvation TO.  You have been saved from that final separation by being saved to a re-uniting with God.

The resurrection was necessary for us to be:

•       Freed from sin - The payment of our sin was accomplished by Jesus’s death on the cross - where he was put to death for our trespasses.  This is also known as a ransom because you were purchased from the slavery of sin.

•       Apart of God’s family again - The resurrection is for our sakes. It is for our justification and restoration in the family of God.  Jesus released you from the prison captivity of eternal death, into a new life with God.

The Apostle Paul had to explain to the believers in Corinth that this act confirms the power of God over life and death. (2 Cor 13:4)

So, in short, Jesus conquered sin through the cross and death through the resurrection so that we may have eternal life in Him. Death has no hold on Him!

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Reflection / Questions

•       Read Psalm 68.  Think about the imagery of war, release from captivity, leading slaves, knowing Jesus’s triumph over sin and death.

•       Read Psalm 16. Can you see the prophecy of Christ’s resurrection in this Psalm?  If not ask your mentor to explain.

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Prayer

Say your own personal prayer to God thanking Him for freeing us from sin and death. Just let it naturally flow from your heart.