What does "raised Jesus our Lord from the dead" signify for believers today? Scripture Focus “...but also for us, to whom righteousness will be credited—to us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” (Romans 4:24) Immediate Context: Faith Like Abraham • Romans 4 celebrates Abraham’s faith before the law or circumcision, showing that righteousness comes by believing God’s promise. • Paul pivots from Abraham to every believer: the same God who kept His promise to Abraham has fulfilled the greater promise by raising Jesus. • The resurrection stands as God’s ultimate, public declaration that faith in Him is never misplaced. Raised Jesus Our Lord: What It Proclaims about God • God’s Power: “God raised Him from the dead and freed Him from the agony of death” (Acts 2:24). Death is no match. • God’s Faithfulness: Jesus repeatedly foretold His resurrection (Mark 8:31; John 2:19). The empty tomb proves God keeps every word. • God’s Justice and Acceptance: “He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification” (Romans 4:25). The resurrection is the divine receipt that the payment for sin was accepted in full. What It Means for Our Salvation Today • Justification Secured – If Jesus still lay in the grave, our guilt would remain (1 Corinthians 15:17). – Because He lives, God declares the believing sinner righteous. • New Life Granted – “We too may walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). – Resurrection life begins now, not merely after death. • Union with Christ – “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6). – Every spiritual blessing flows from our present position in the risen Christ. • Ongoing Intercession – “He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). – A living Savior prays for you this moment. Living Resurrection Power • Freedom from Sin’s Dominion – The same power that rolled away the stone breaks lifelong chains (Romans 6:9-11). • Courage in Suffering – “We know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us” (2 Corinthians 4:14). Fear loses its grip. • Hope That Endures – “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3). Even in grief, hope keeps breathing. Assurance for the Future • Bodily Resurrection Promised – “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). – “He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). • Final Victory Guaranteed – The empty tomb is the down payment on a creation free from decay (Romans 8:21). Everyday Application • Start each day remembering: the risen Christ shares His life with you now. • Face temptation by confessing, “Sin shall not be my master; I serve a risen Lord.” • Encourage others with resurrection hope—especially the weary, the grieving, the doubting. • Worship with confidence: every promise of God is stamped in crimson and sealed by an empty tomb. |
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