Monday, April 7, 2008
Acts 2:24 It was not possible that [Jesus] should be held by [death].
Resurrection -- Inevitable?
It is common to think of death as natural. I suppose we think of it that way because it occurs in the course of human events. But when God created human beings, He intended that soul and body stay together. The fact that they don't is not part of God's design but a punishment for something He didn't want to happen! Death is a spiritual event and a spiritual problem. It is the wages of sin.
The sad and ultimate statistic is that one out of one dies. Jesus, who Himself died, shatters the impact of the ultimate statistic. Yes, He died. But He died that we might live!
The Bible says that Jesus' resurrection was inevitable. Jesus, who was delivered according to an eternal plan to death by crucifixion at the hands of wicked man, "God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it" (Acts 2:24). The punishment for sins was accomplished by One who in His own person did not deserve to suffer eternal death -- but did! He did it for us.
The Bible says that Jesus was "raised because of our justification" (Romans 4:25). Yes, satisfaction was rendered. Resurrection was inevitable because of what the death of Christ accomplished for mankind. One of the premier assurances we have from the resurrection of Jesus Christ is that our sins really are forgiven.
Can you live with that miracle? Wait a second! Do you live with that miracle? The resurrection reality shatters every conceivable excuse for spiritual indifference. Resurrection simply has to make a difference to us. "(Christ) died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again" (2 Corinthians 5:15).
The possibility of resurrection seems inconceivable to our limited minds. But the Spirit has convinced us it's true. His primary exhibit is Jesus, who was dead, but isn't dead anymore. Jesus Himself discusses the possibilities His resurrection gives us: "Because I live, you too shall live" (John 14:19).
"Shall I fear, or could the Head rise and leave His members dead?" (The Lutheran Hymnal, 206).
Impossible. Not a chance!
