Christ’s Resurrection Assures You

by Kathy Collard Miller

We often focus on the beautiful gift of salvation through Christ’s death and forget the importance of his resurrection. In I Corinthians 15:3-4, the Apostle Paul stresses both: For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. 

Jesus is no longer in the grave! Jesus’ resurrection verified him as the true Messiah. Many men died on crosses and some may have claimed to be the long-awaited Messiah, but none of them rose from the grave. Without the resurrection, Jesus death as evidence of his Messiahship is suspect. But the resurrection confirmed Jesus’ words: “It is finished.” 

The empty grave declares God saying, “See? It really is true! Jesus was no imposter. This is my stamp of approval. I’m satisfied with my Son’s death on the cross in your place to wipe away all your sin. Therefore, you can live in confidence.” Romans 4:5 affirms, And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. Do you notice “who does not work”? Working for our salvation or to keep our salvation is not needed. 

No wonder Satan loves to attack our security. When we are wondering whether enough has been done we become nervous. When someone “sees us” as imperfect, we wonder if they are questioning our salvation. Our lack of confidence motivates our defensiveness and anger. 

When we counteract Satan’s questioning whispers with the truth, we live confidently. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19-20). 

The same resurrection power is available to you and me. We won’t use it perfectly, but we’ll grow stronger, which is the process of sanctification. Additionally, because he’s no longer in the grave, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. No wonder we can be assured of our salvation.