What role does God's action in Acts 10:40 play in Christian faith today? The Verse in Focus “But God raised Him up on the third day and caused Him to be seen—” (Acts 10:40) God’s Action in Context • Peter is preaching to Cornelius’ household, stressing that Jesus’ resurrection was God’s decisive act, publicly validated by eyewitnesses (Acts 10:41). • This event stands at the center of the gospel message (Acts 10:42-43). Why the Resurrection Still Matters Today • Assurance of Salvation – Romans 4:25: “He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.” – The empty tomb confirms that Christ’s atonement fully satisfied God’s justice; believers now rest in a completed redemption. • Foundation for Evangelism – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 anchors the gospel on the historical fact that “Christ died for our sins… He was buried, that He was raised.” – Because God acted in verifiable history, Christians can proclaim a faith grounded in reality, not religious opinion. • Call to Transformation – Romans 6:4: “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” – The same power that lifted Jesus now empowers believers to leave old patterns and live holy lives. • Hope in Suffering – 1 Peter 1:3: “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – Present trials take on new meaning; the risen Christ promises victory over every form of death—physical, emotional, spiritual. • Promise of Future Resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 links Christ’s resurrection to the bodily resurrection of all who belong to Him. – God’s action in Acts 10:40 guarantees that death is not the believer’s end but a doorway to eternal life. • Basis of Final Judgment – Acts 17:31: God “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 all men by raising Him from the dead.” – The resurrection authenticates Jesus as the righteous Judge, motivating holy living now. Living in Light of Acts 10:40 • Rejoice daily in a salvation that is secure because the Savior lives. • Share the gospel confidently, knowing it rests on historical fact. • Embrace ongoing transformation by relying on resurrection power. • Face trials with hope, anchored in Christ’s victory over the grave. • Anticipate bodily resurrection and eternal fellowship with the risen Lord. |
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