Benefits of the Resurrection of Christ

By Kevin Williams

One way in which to realize the importance of something under consideration is to note the benefits that are received by it. For example, the air we breathe is important because of the benefit that we receive from it; it contributes to life. Pain is important because of the benefit that we receive from it; it tells us when something harmful is near us. Legs are important because of the benefit that we receive from them; they take us places we want to go. If any of these simple illustrations were ever questioned as to their importance all we would have to do is think of someone who cannot breathe, feel pain, or walk. The same is true of the resurrection of Christ from the dead. It is of tremendous importance to us because of the benefits we receive because of it. Note the following that we receive because Christ was resurrected…

♦ “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1.3).

♦ “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 13.36-38).

♦ “There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3.21).

♦ “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10.9).

♦ “who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification” (Romans 4.25).

♦ “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 4.14).

♦ “And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power” (1 Corinthians 6.14).

Do you ever doubt the importance of the resurrection of Jesus? Have you considered the personal benefits that each of us has because He was raised from the dead? If you ever doubt its importance simply think of those who have not taken advantage of the benefits that are connected to it! Think about it!

- Kevin Williams preaches for the Walnut Grove church of Christ in Benton, KY. He may be contacted through the church's website: http://walnutgrovechurchofchrist.org/