What is The Significance of Jesus Christ's Resurrection?

 April 19, 2022


A Family of 5 Ukrainians  Celebrate Easter as War Rages. nbcnews.com


Posted by Ambassador T. Brikins

When the purpose of a thing is not known abuse is inevitable,says the late Dr. Myles Munroe. Today across the globe, the annual celebration of Easter, otherwise known as the resurrection has assumed two dimensions; one secular and the other spiritual.

''April is about Easter celebrations and dodgy weather in temperate climes. And while Easter is about celebrating with those closest to us, it is also a promotional season. Bargains bring a sense of happiness and fulfillment that goes well with the celebrations.''Easter is different for every country, for the western holiday, Easter means egg hunts, chocolates, bunnies, and huge sale. In other parts, it is about  activities like musical concerts, sermons, visit to beaches, families and friends.


A poster announcing 7 days to the event in Lagos, South-West Nigeria  

Easter is a public holiday celebrated by Christians as a joyous holiday because it represents the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament and the revelation of God's salvation  plan for all of humankind. In commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus, Easter also celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation.


'' The Garden Tomb is a site of Christian worship and witness located in the heart of historic Jerusalem, just outside the Old City walls. Within this peaceful and contemplative garden there are several antiquities of interest, including an ancient Jewish tomb which many believe is the site of Jesus of Nazareth’s burial and resurrection''.The Garden Tomb

Easter is the foundational and the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church which, takes place (in the Western Church) between 21 March and 25 April, on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox.

This resurrection of Jesus (Biblical Greek: ανάσταση του Ιησού) is the Christian belief that God raised Jesus on the third day  after his crucifixion, starting – or restoring  his exalted life as Christ and Lord.  According to the New Testament writings he was firstborn from the dead, ushering in the Kingdom of God.

But what is the significance, importance or consequences of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

 Resurrection is the rebirth, return, return from the dead, revival and come back. It is the resuscitation of a dead body. Revive from unconsciousness or apparent dead. It is based on Latin resuscitatus ‘raised again’.

Jesus Christ experienced these conditions and processes in his death,burial and resurrection.These are shown historically  from the spring of A.D.30 to the resurrection through to the ascension on Mount Olives.

''The site of Christ's ascension to heaven forty days after his resurrection is on the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley from the Old City of Jerusalem. The site is marked by a historic chapel. Luke 24:51 tells us that Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after his resurrection''. Bein Harim Tours

The period mentioned above marks the final  weeks  of Jesus’ works  at Jerusalem in 23  major events that bear testimonial evidences  to his death, burial and resurrection. The authenticity of this background is required to understand the spiritual and practical implications of the resurrection.

1. The Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead question the resurrection  of Jesus before it happened. These were mostly judges and members of the governing elites.According to the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, ‘’An important fact in the history of the Sadducees is their rapid disappearance from history after the first century…’’. I believe the evidence of the resurrection was enough factor to the occurrence.  (Exodus 3:6)In Matthew 22:23-33, Mark 12:8-27 and Luke 20:27-4

2. The disbelief of the Sadducees did not stop Jesus from  telling the  date of His crucifixion in Matthew 26:1-5; Mark 14:1,2,; Luke 22:1,2.

3. This was further emphasized by Jesus pointing  out the significance of the  anointing by Mary at Simon’s feast in Bethany. Matthew 26:6-13;mark 14:3-9; john12:2-8

4. Judas walks in prophesy by  contracting the betrayal (Zechariah  11:12);Matthew 26:14-16;mark 14:10,11; Luke 22:3-6

5. Thursday p.m.- at the Upper Room, Jesus reveals Judas Iscariot  as the betrayer and he defects. Matthew 26:21-25; mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23; john 13:21-30

6. Friday- Jesus is condemned  by the Jewish Council.(Psalm 110:1), Matthew 27:1; Mark 15:1;Luke22:66-71

7. Events attending Jesus’ prophesied  death unfolds. Matthew 27:51-56;mark 15:38-41; Luke 23:45

8. Jesus is buried near Jerusalem(exodus 12:46); Matthew 27:57-60; mark 15:42-46; 23:50-54; john 19: 31-37

9. Friday-Saturday-the  tomb were Jesus’ body is laid is sealed(exodus 20:8-11). Matthew 27:61-66; Luke 23:55,56

10. Women; Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother of Joses] were [attentively] observing where He was laid. Mark 15:47

11. AD 30:  Jesus in the Resurrection

Sunday, Dawn

12. Near Jerusalem. Women visit the tomb. Matthew 28:1-10; mark 16:1-8; 24:1-11

13. Peter and John go to  see the empty tomb. Luke 24:12;john 20:1-10

Jerusalem

14. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene. Mark 16:9-11; john 20:11-18

15. Jesus appears to the other women. Matthew 28: 9-10

16. The guards  report the resurrection. Matthew 28:11-15.’While they were on their way, some of the [Roman] guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 And when the chief priests had gathered with the elders and had consulted together [to develop a plan of deception], they gave a sufficient sum of money [as a bribe] to the soldiers, 13 and said, “You say this, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 And if the governor (Pilate) hears about it, we will calm him down and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money [they were paid for lying] and did as they were instructed; and this [fabricated] story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to the present day.

17. Sunday afternoon

Jesus appears to two disciples on the way to Emmaus. Mark 16:12,13;Luke 24:13-35

18. Last Sunday,

Jesus appears to ten disciples without Thomas

Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43; john 20:19-25

19. One week later

Jesus appears to the disciples with Thomas

John 20:26-31

20. During the 40 days until ascension

Galilee

Jesus appears to 7 disciples by the  sea of Galilee-John 21: 1-25

21. Mountain in Galilee

Jesus appears to 500.(1 Corinthians 15:6)

22. The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16-20

23. Mount Olives

The ascension (Acts 1:4-11); mark 16:19-20;Luke 24:50-53

the Resurrection of Jesus

8  Significant facts  of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. It declares His deity

''...and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power[a] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.'' Romance 1:4

2. It declares His Lordship

 ''If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.'' Romance 10:9

3. It justifies Us

 ''He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.''Romance 4:25

4. It forgives us

''And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.'' 1 Corinthians 15:17

5. It saves us

 ''If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.''Romance 10:9

''and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,'' 1 Peter 3:21

6. It gives us living Hope

''Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.'' 1 Corinthians 15: 18-19

'Praise to God for a Living Hope

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, '' 1 Peter 1:3

7. It gives us victory over dearth

''For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

 

11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. '' Romance 6;9-11

'' But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.'' 1 Corinthians 15:57

It guarantees Our Resurrection

''0 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.''1 Corinthians 15:20,23

'' I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.'' Philippians 3:10,11

8. It guarantees the coming judgement

'' For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:31

All Bible text: New International Version

Next Post: What the resurrection of Jesus Christ means to the Believer

 



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