The Resurrection

I heard a great question about the resurrection a while back and it seemed like Easter was a good time to write a post about it, "Since salvation is from Jesus' death (John 3:16), the atoning sacrifice, what is the resurrection for?" Paul states that the is determined to know nothing but Christ and him Crucified. Why not resurrected to?

In the Bible, the verses that talk about us being justified from his death use a Greek word can mean "from" or "because". We are justified because of His death.  We are/will raised because we are justified. Jesus resurrection was proof, vindication that Jesus atoned for our sins. God raised him as a sign that he accepted the payment for sins. He purchases life with his death and now lives in the life that he purchased.  Also, being God, he could not stay dead. As God's son Jesus was raised, we look forward to the resurrection as well having been adopted as sons of God in Jesus' death.

In his small catechism, Luther's explanation of the resurrection is great. He asks, "Why is Christ's resurrection so important and comforting?"

     Christ's Resurrection proves that:

          A.) Christ is the son of God

          B.) His doctrine is the truth

          C.) God the Father accepted Christ's sacrifice for the reconciliation of the world

          D.) All believers in Christ will rise to eternal life

Walther once wrote, "By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, God has absolved the entire world of sinners from their sins."