Reflections on the Resurrection

Jeff challenged Northstar this past Easter to reflect on all of the New Testament Bible verses containing references to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and use their meaning to complete the phrase: “If Jesus has been raised from the dead, then __”

Here is what I came up with. The following are true for all Christians. They can also be true for anyone who desires a fulfilling life on earth and eternal life in heaven. Would you add any others? Did anything resonate with you?

Here we go. If Jesus has been raised, then:

1. I am justified (Rom. 4:22-25)
2. I am empowered to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:1-4)
3. I am dead to sin and alive to God (Rom. 6:5-11, 8:11; 1 Cor. 15:12-22)
4. I will also be resurrected after I die (Rom. 6:5-11; 1 Cor. 6:12-20, 15:12-22; Eph. 2:1-10)
5. I am no longer enslaved to sin (Rom. 6:5-11)
6. I am released from the law of the Old Testament because Jesus has fulfilled it on my behalf (Rom. 7:4-6)
7. The Holy Spirit lives in me (Rom. 8:11)
8. I am saved upon my confession of faith that Jesus is my Lord and God raised him from the dead (Rom. 10:9-10)
9. I can be confident that Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament (1 Cor. 15:3-5)
10. I know that my faith is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:12-22)
11. I know that my faith is fruitful (1 Cor. 15:12-22)
12. My life has more meaning and purpose than living for pleasure (1 Cor. 15:32)
13. I will be raised into an imperishable, glorious, powerful spiritual body (1 Cor. 15:42-44)
14. I will be raised imperishable, immortal, and changed! (1 Cor. 15:50-58)
15. I will be raised and brought into the presence of Jesus (2 Cor. 4:13-14)
16. I am called to live for Jesus and not for myself (2 Cor. 5:14-15)
17. Jesus is above any earthly rule or authority (Eph. 1:15-23)
18. I am part of Jesus’ body, the church (Eph. 1:15-23)
 19. I will experience the immeasurable riches of God’s grace and kindness (Eph. 2:1-10)
20. I have been raised from spiritual death into spiritual life (Col. 2:11-15)
21. I may be confident that I will be delivered from the wrath to come when everyone will be judged for how we lived our lives (1 Th. 1:9-10)
22. I am called to set my mind on heavenly, not earthly, things (Col. 3:1-4) 23. I am called to live with faith and hope (1 Peter 1:20-21)


Northstar Family, we hope these thoughts are encouraging and challenging to you. May we all take time to reflect on the Resurrection.