Let's talk about the Resurrection:
“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” -1Th 4:14
By Christ’s resurrection provision has been made for the personal realization of the salvation which He has provided, in His bestowal of repentance, forgiveness, regeneration, and the Holy Spirit (Jhn 16:7; Act 2:33, 3:26, 5:31; 1Pe 1:3). His resurrection is made the basis of assurance to the believer that all necessary power for life and service is available to him (Eph 1:18-20, 4:8). If God could raise Jesus from the dead, He is able to supply all the needs of the believer (cf. Phi 3:10). Paul further tells us that the resurrection of Christ is a guarantee that our bodies too will be raised from the dead (Jhn 5:28, 29, 6:40; Act 4:2; Rom 8:11; 1Co 15:20-23; 2Co 4:14; 1Th 4:14).
The resurrection of Christ is the basis for the believer’s hope and confidence. Although the context of 1Th 4:14 does not explicitly mention the general resurrection, Peter at the beginning of his first epistle ties the new birth and the living hope of the believer to Christ’s resurrection and then looks to the second coming when genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor (1Pe 1:3-9).
The resurrection of Christ had a threefold significance:
It constituted a declaration of the Father that the last enemy had been vanquished, the penalty paid, and the condition on which life was promised, met.
It symbolized what was destined to happen to the members of Christ's mystical body (The Church) in their justification, spiritual birth, and future blessed resurrection, (Rom 6:4,5,9; 1C. 6:14, 15:20-22; 2Co 4:10,11,14; Col 2:12; 1Th 4:14).
It is also connected instrumentally with their justification, regeneration, and final resurrection, (Rom 4:25; 5:10; Eph 1:20).
The resurrection of Jesus is the most significant event that has ever happened. There is so much tied into it that we haven't even scratched the surface here. What do you think about the Christian hope? Does the Lord’s resurrection have meaning to you? Are you excited for the day that you will once again be united with your loved ones? Let us know what you think about the prospect of being resurrected unto glory. Thanks and God bless!
SOURCES:
Thiessen, Henry. Lectures in Systematic Theology (pg. 337). Eerdmans Publishing Company 1951
Erickson, Millard. Christian Theology 3rd edition (pg. 1098). BakerAcademic
Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology (pp. 289-290). Eerdmans Publishing Co - A. Kindle Edition.