The Hope of the Resurrection

Introduction

So far we have seen Paul’s emphatic declaration of the gospel and the vital nature of the resurrection as part of the gospel message.

Paul has also presented incredible evidence for the resurrection, listing a number of eyewitnesses who personally encountered the risen Christ.

He then began to explain the consequences that a failure to believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ would have upon our faith.

Now Paul begins the next section with an emphatic declaration that Jesus Christ did indeed rise from the grave. Paul was utterly convinced of the truth of the resurrection.

The first thing we must understand is that Christ did indeed rise from the grave and that He is alive today.

He then begins to encourage the believers in Corinth by describing the implications of Christ’s resurrection upon the believer.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead brings:

Hope for the Future (Vs. 20 & 23)

Jesus Christ was only the first of many who will one day rise again.

Jesus Christ’s resurrection not only provided the means for our redemption from sin but also the assurance of our future glorification with Him.

Those who have placed their faith in the risen savior will also one day be raised.

One day Jesus Christ will return and “they that are Christ’s” will rise to meet Him in the air! - dead in Christ rise first

If Jesus did not rise from the dead then neither shall we rise, but if Jesus did rise from the dead then one day we shall also rise!

After His resurrection Jesus spent time teaching and encouraging His followers before ascending back to heaven. At His ascension the angels reminded His disciples that Jesus Christ would one day return. ()

What joy and excitement for every believer to think that Jesus Christ could return at any moment and that when He does return we shall rise to meet Him to spend the rest of eternity in His presence!

- death swallowed up in victory!

Those who have rejected Jesus Christ will also be raised but not for glorification, instead it will be for condemnation. - dead small and great

Freedom from the Past (Vs. 21 & 22)

Every one of us are descendants of the first man Adam. This means that we have each inherited a sin nature that condemns us to death not only physically but eternally. It is our sin that prevents our entrance into heaven.

& - all have sinned- our identification with Adam- bringing condemnation/though we are sinners by Jesus Christ our sins are erased and we are righteous! - For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin

The resurrection of Christ brings to us the opportunity for a new identity! We were identified with Adam through our physical birth, but by being “born again” (spiritual birth) through faith in Jesus we can be identified instead with Him!

Jesus Christ’s resurrection conquered death and hell and has provided the means of our redemption from sin.

- forgiven all our trespasses and blotting out that which was against us nailing it to the cross.

Physical baptism by immersion is a beautiful picture of the spiritual event whereby we identify ourselves with Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

Jesus’ resurrection was the final move in securing our salvation and now we have the assurance that, if we will place our faith in Him, all our sins will be forgiven!

Everyone who remains “in Adam” shall face eternal death while every one who is “in Christ” shall find eternal life.

Victory in the Present (Vs. 21 & 22)

You and I were dead in our trespasses and sins until Jesus Christ came and brought to us life!

Our new identity in Christ, not only secures freedom from the past but also grants us victory in the present!

-walk in newness of life/sin no longer has dominion over you if you are “in Jesus Christ”

Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead made it possible for us to be loosed from the bondage of sin. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ our old man is “crucified with him” and we have the opportunity now to live unto God.

Sin should no longer rule over us because Jesus Christ has won victory for us over sin. This does not mean that we will never sin again, but it does mean that we are no longer a slave to sin.

Where once we yielded ourselves to unrighteousness and carnal worldly pursuits, now we can yield ourselves unto God to serve Him for the rest of our lives!

- such were some of you- we do not have to live in sin any longer

Conclusion

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most marvelous event in all of human history and it’s impact is still being felt today.

It is the resurrection of Jesus Christ that secures our hope for the future, our freedom from the past, and our victory in the present, yet the impact of the resurrection will only be felt by those who believe.

There are many in our world today who have no hope for the future, are still struggling with their past, and remain in bondage to sin today because they have rejected Jesus Christ refusing to believe.

Do you believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, that he was buried, and that he rose again three days later? You can have this hope for the future, this freedom from your past, and wondrous victory today if you will only believe!