Christ is risen! He is risen indeed.
As Michael Reeves says, "The jewel in the crown of Christianity is Jesus Christ." He is the one who crosses the yawning chasm between the Holy God and sinful humanity. At this time of year, Easter, Passion Week, The Festival of the Resurrection, we celebrate Christ's ultimate and final earthly work to complete the redemption of a people for God from all tribes, nations, and tongues.
And the jewel of Jesus Christ is his resurrection. It is in his rising from the grave that all the benefits and glories of his ministry are secured, administered, and visible for us. I want to outline for you, from the scriptures, the benefits and blessings of Christ that are explicitly made known and activated by the miracle of Christ's resurrection from the dead.
To help you remember, I'll use the letters of R-E-S-U-R-R-E-C-T.
R - Reveals Christ’s Identity
Jesus’s resurrection affirms his identity as both the Messiah and Son of God. In his resurrection, he brings both of these anticipated redemptive characters together and makes clear to all creation that he was who he said he was and much more. In the resurrection, Jesus Christ affirms the scriptures, proves the promises and sovereignty of God, and connects the old and new covenants.
E - Establishes Jesus’ Authority
Jesus proclaimed, "It is finished!" from the cross, but he is not done ruling and reigning. In His resurrection, Jesus takes the place for which he was sent, as King of Kings, and continues to work out His plan of salvation through His Spirit and His Church in the offer of the Gospel. He lives forever to intercede for his people and rule as King.
S - Shapes our Worship
Christians worship a specific God. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is specifically in Jesus the Son, who died and rose again, that we worship and proclaim salvation. Our preaching, praying, worship, giving, and service are to the living God, and the invitation of the gospel is to trust the resurrected Jesus.
U - Undoes Sin’s Power
The cross was the payment for sin, but the resurrection is the proof of purchase; it is the receipt, and it is the stamp of approval that Christ’s offering was accepted. Because Jesus died and rose again, we can be confident that sin no longer lays claim over the people of Jesus. The ongoing power of sin is weakened and broken in the hearts of those made new by the Holy Spirit in the acceptance of the Gospel.
In Christ’s death, we see what we deserved; in Christ’s life, we see what we are given and promised.
R - Regenerates God’s People
Just as the resurrection affirms the power of the cross, it also models the results of the cross. Jesus' new life is a model and invitation to follow into the righteousness and holiness God desires and now gives to his people by the Holy Spirit. When Christ rose from the dead, our sins stayed behind, and the power and affection to accomplish true righteousness were brought out.
R - Removes the Fear of Death
The power of sin is (was!) death. In the resurrection of Jesus, that ultimate penalty is brought to nothing. In Christ, death is no longer to be feared and is actually a door through which we enter into the blessed promises the resurrected Christ makes to us.
E - Elevates Suffering
In this new life Christ secures for us, not even the most painful experiences of this earthly life can separate us from God’s love. Because Christ suffered and was victorious, we can suffer victoriously for the sake of showing the supreme worth of Christ over all earthly comforts, treasures, trials and persecutions. The sufferings of the present age only serve to sanctify God's people and shape them into the image of His beloved Son.
C - Confirms Future Hope
The resurrection is an appetizer. It is the firstfruits of the harvest God intended from before the foundation of the world. We cannot overestimate or exaggerate just how sweet and total our future resurrection hope will be. All will be made new. All that belongs to Christ will be united with him. We shall live forever in the power of the endless life of Christ.
T - Tragic Toll of Unbelief
If the above are the immeasurable blessings and benefits of the resurrection of Jesus, what does it mean to reject it, ignore it, or simply refuse to reckon with the question, "Who is Jesus Christ?" To believe in a false resurrection means we are most to be pitied. Not believing in a true resurrection results in an even worse outcome. Christ has finished the work; all you must do to enter into all these blessings and more for eternity is confess and believe.
