Posted on 10/12/2013 10:44:58 AM PDT by ReformationFan
If you listen carefully, you can hear echoes of the resurrection in the great, epic stories we return to again and again. Those stories lead us to a point of despair where all seems to be lost, only then to erupt into uncontainable joy as good triumphs over evil.
There is a reason these stories resonate with us. In one way or another, they model and mimic the true story of our world. A story of perfection and paradise, corrupted by human sin and wickedness, redeemed by a selfless sacrifice, and restored through a triumphant return. This is the true story of our world.
Jesus’ resurrection is the turning point. There is great significance in this event, both in the broader story of all of creation and in our individual stories. For us, as believers, there are three unmistakable gifts of the resurrection. While there are obviously more than these, I believe there is much to be gained from focusing on these three gifts.
1. LIFE BEYOND THE GRAVE
Jesus’ resurrection guarantees life beyond the grave – the first gift. In it, we find there is hope in our despair.
The resurrection tells the Christian that the sin of your past doesn’t define your future. The struggle of the present will not keep you from glory. While you may look at yourself and only see your sin and failure, the resurrection says there’s more. The dark night is giving way to the dawn.
Life beyond the grave means we can have confidence that Jesus will do what He has promised.
(Excerpt) Read more at thegospelcoalition.org ...
The way I see it, the Crucifixion was the first and most important gift. The voluntary suffering and death that paid the price for Adam’s acts and for all of us. The Resurrection comes after that fact, showing us what lays beyond death.
Folk religion, folk Christianity, looks to "going to heaven when you die". That is certainly there in the New Testament, but the emphasis is far more on the resurrection of the dead.
"If we have been united with him in a death like his, we will be united with him in a resurrection like his."
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