We will all be resurrected. But will we be with Jesus?

By Miles G. McPherson, Exclusive Columnist Thursday, March 28, 2024

Do you really believe Jesus rose from the dead? This might sound like a trick question, but it's actually a chance for deep reflection. For Christians, the entirety of our belief system hinges on a miraculous event that happened over 2,000 years ago.

When Jesus rose from the dead after His crucifixion, He didn't just come back to life; He redefined life itself. He proved He is the Son of God and offered resurrection life for those who turn to Him in repentance and faith.

I’ll never forget the moment I repented and turned to Jesus in faith. It was April 12th, 1984, at five o’clock in the morning. I had been up all night, and I finally said, “I’m done. I’m going to give God the commitment I’ve given football and the commitment I’ve given drugs. I’m going to live for Jesus.” That moment changed my life forever — all because I received resurrection life!

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Resurrection life isn't a reward we strive towards through religion or works; all religions fall short of bridging the gap to God. That's exactly why God sent His perfect Son to make the ultimate sacrifice for us.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 shares this truth: “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the Gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you — unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”

The reality of the resurrection underpins our faith. It’s the rock-solid foundation that gives us confidence as we share the Gospel with friends, enemies, and everyone in between. When we truly believe in resurrection, it should resonate throughout our lives, setting us apart.

As we approach Easter, here are a few important points about the resurrection to consider.

1. The Bible means nothing if Christ didn’t rise from the dead

If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then the whole of Scripture loses its integrity and transformative power. This isn't a mere theological assertion; it's foundational to understanding the Christian message.

Before Jesus' resurrection, others had been brought back to life, but these were temporary restorations. They returned to their mortal existence only to face death again. Jesus' resurrection, however, was fundamentally different. It was a transformation into a new life, signifying the defeat of death itself and the promise of eternal life for believers. This event shifted the narrative from death being the end to death being the beginning! Death is not final for those who have resurrection life.

2. Some will be raised from the dead to a born-again life

The concept of resurrection is not merely about coming back to life. It's about being born into a new life altogether. For those who accept Christ, this isn't a future event but a current reality. Being “born again” signifies a profound transformation where the Holy Spirit takes residence within, and believers are spiritually seated with Christ in heavenly places. This is not a figurative expression but a positional truth that affects how believers view life, death, and their purpose on earth.

Colossians 3:1 underscores this transformative perspective: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” This verse calls believers to align their lives with their spiritual position, encouraging them to focus on eternal values and God's ongoing work in the world. Don’t keep your eyes down on the troubles of this life. Look up and around at what God is doing! If you’ve been raised and born again, this is your reminder to set your mind on things above.

3. Some will be resurrected to life

The New Testament teaches that not all humanity will share the same destiny. Believers in Christ are promised a resurrection to eternal life, where they will receive new, glorified bodies free from the corruption of sin. This promise is not a mere hope but a guaranteed future for those who have placed their faith in Jesus. As Jesus Himself says in John 5:28-29, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth — those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

This distinction highlights a critical aspect of Christian doctrine — the resurrection to life is reserved for those who have trusted in Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, while a resurrection to judgment awaits those who reject God's offer of salvation.

Back to life

All of us are going to come back to life. The question is, what kind of life are we going to come back to?

Without Christ's resurrection, our faith and preaching are empty. But because He lives, we serve a living Savior eager for a relationship with us, offering guidance, encouragement, and hope.

The resurrection makes us confident that one day — after Jesus returns — we will be given new, spiritual bodies. What will those bodies be like? I’m not sure! But I do know that Jesus walked through walls with His resurrected body, so that is interesting to consider!

As we ponder the magnitude of Jesus' resurrection, consider its impact on your life. So, I’ll ask again. Do you really believe that Jesus really rose from the dead? Because if you believe it, your life should be marked by this reality.

I’ll be teaching about the resurrection all month leading up to our Easter services at Rock Church. Join us throughout Easter Weekend in person or online to learn more about the resurrection and what this historical event means for you today.

I want to invite you out to our Easter Weekend services, and I want to challenge you to invite a friend, family member, or neighbor to come with you! The good news about Jesus’ resurrection is too good to keep to ourselves!