Triumph

Last time in the catechism, we considered how every moment of Jesus life has significance for us. We continue to explore the implications of this as we look at the resurrection.

Q50. What does Christ's resurrection mean for us?A. Christ triumphed over sin and death by being physically resurrected, so that all who trust in him are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come. Just as we will one day be resurrected, so this world will one day be restored. But those who do not trust in Christ will be raised to everlasting death.

Once again, this short answer is packed with teaching - I'll draw out some of the points here.

Jesus resurrection makes us confident. It is the guarantee, the proof, the visible confirmation that all which took place on the cross was effective. The background music changed to a major key; a tune of triumph as Jesus walked from the grave.

Jesus resurrection means the physical matters. When Jesus triumphed, he didn't simply do so in the spiritual realm. When Jesus saves, he doesn't simply rescue your soul. Jesus saves you - completely. As a whole. Your body, mind, soul - your whole self. That is wonderful news. With implications for how we care for our physical and mental health, as well as the physical and mental health of others. It means we care for people, as whole people. More, we care for all of creation, as when Jesus returns, and we rise - he shall restore creation to the perfect world he made in the beginning.

Jesus resurrection points to a future hope, which has present reality. When Jesus walked out of the tomb, he demonstrated that death is not the end. One day, every grave shall crack open and each person shall rise. For those trusting in Jesus, they rise to be with him - everlasting life. For those who have rejected Jesus, they rise to everlasting death, which is life without God. No access to him, the shackles of his control are loosed, evil is rampant and there is no hope of rescue. Those are the two destinies which lie before people, which one you walk in depends on how you respond to Jesus now.

However, the catechism also tells us, Christs resurrection effects us now. That is to say, our resurrection happens in two stages. We are brought to life first spiritually then physically. I take it that is what the catechism means in the phrase 'raised to new life in this world'. It is speaking spiritually, not physically.

Think of it this way, when Adam and Eve first sinned, they died. Spiritually, their death was instantaneous. They were no longer able to relate to God and enjoy relationship with him. Physically, they began to feel pain and no decay, but death took time. When someone trusts in Jesus the same order is followed. Spiritually they are raised to new life. That happens immediately. They have access to God and enjoy a relationship with him. Physically, they will rise, but they still know pain and decay in their body. They will still die. However, they also have the hope of physical resurrection when Jesus returns.

Do you see, however, the resurrection means something now. Death has been defeated. Spiritually you are made alive. We are no longer dead in sin. We can know triumph over sin - not in our own strength - but because Jesus raised from the dead. He left the tomb, and he took us with him. So this hope fuels our fight with sin. It stokes the fire of our relationship with God. It transforms our life now, even as we wait for the fullness of this hope then.