The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. Romans 8:10-11 NLT
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT
Easter proves so many incredible, irrevocable truths. First, of course, is that Jesus is alive. His broken, sacrificially given human body was buried in a borrowed tomb, sealed by a stone, guarded by Roman soldiers – and yet He opened once lifeless eyes and strode out of that dark place in power.
A second truth is that the power that raised Jesus from the dead – the Spirit of God Himself – lives in us who have put our faith in the living Christ. Can you even begin to comprehend it? We have no reason to ever fear or lack confidence. The truth is that we have within us all the power we need. The same power that accomplished the greatest miracle the world has ever imagined is in us and working for us.
Yet another truth is one that is often referred to as Christus Victor. The word Christ means King, Messiah, the Anointed One. Victor refers to the fact that His resurrection is the victory over the powers which hold mankind in bondage: sin, death, and the devil. Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves.
The life we are created to live, our daily experience with God, as well our entire eternal future, is based on this all-important fact: Jesus, Son of God, willingly, innocently died, and defeated sin. This event changed everything for the better and forever. God does not just forgive and make us new; He has a plan and the power to make a totally new creation of the universe, the one we eagerly await (2 Peter 3:13).
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15 that the resurrection of Jesus proves He is the Son of God, and His message and promises are absolutely true. Jesus was not and is not just a great teacher of truth. He IS truth. He doesn’t just bring life – He IS life. Jesus doesn’t just show the way – He IS the Way. The resurrection is the final and absolute confirmation that Jesus is who He claimed and claims to be. This is the power of God for us who believe!
- The same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead is given to us when we put our faith in Jesus. We can then put our faith in all His words and promises. What is He leading you to in faith today?