Topical Bible: Man: Christ: As Such, is the Cause of the Resurrection

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In Christian theology, Jesus Christ is central to the doctrine of the resurrection, serving as both the cause and the assurance of the resurrection of the dead. This belief is rooted in the New Testament, where Christ's resurrection is presented as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, signifying the future resurrection of all believers.

Christ's Resurrection as the Firstfruits

The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes the significance of Christ's resurrection as the firstfruits of those who have died. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 , Paul writes, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." Here, Paul draws a parallel between Adam and Christ, indicating that just as death entered the world through Adam, resurrection and life come through Christ.

The Power of Christ Over Death

Christ's victory over death is a cornerstone of Christian faith, demonstrating His divine power and authority. In Revelation 1:17-18 , Christ declares, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades." This passage underscores Christ's dominion over death and His role as the one who unlocks the grave, offering eternal life to believers.

The Promise of Resurrection for Believers

The resurrection of Christ is not only a historical event but also a promise of future resurrection for all who are united with Him. In John 11:25-26 , Jesus proclaims, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" This assurance is foundational for Christians, affirming that faith in Christ secures eternal life beyond physical death.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the resurrection, as the power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that will raise believers. Romans 8:11 states, "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells within you." This verse highlights the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, ensuring their participation in the resurrection.

Christ's Resurrection as a Model

Christ's resurrection serves as a model for the believer's future resurrection. Philippians 3:20-21 explains, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body." This transformation reflects the believer's hope of being conformed to the image of Christ in the resurrection.

Conclusion

Through His resurrection, Jesus Christ is the cause and guarantee of the resurrection for all who believe in Him. His victory over death assures believers of their own future resurrection, providing hope and confidence in the promise of eternal life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 15:21,22
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Son of Man Glorified.
... love one another." But the presence of such love does ... His conduct now was characteristic
of the man. Christ has spoken of death; Peter declares that he will ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the son of man glorified.htm

The Cause of Unbelief.
... Their moral condition was such that they could justify their course of life only
by refusing to believe ... In addition to the Son of Man, the Christ, and the ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the cause of unbelief.htm

Schleiermacher -- Christ's Resurrection an Image of Our New Life
... a chill sense of awe; what would such a life ... slightest premonition of it arises in
a man's soul, as ... with the new life that is like Christ's resurrection life? ...
/.../the worlds great sermons volume 3/schleiermacher christs resurrection an.htm

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ.
... presented the picture of a sick, half-dead man. ... the soldiers pierced the side of
Christ, there came ... Physiologists and physicists agree that such a condition of ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of jesus christ.htm

The Witness of the Resurrection
... at all, and that there continued to be such a community ... If the death of Christ were
not followed by His ... mercy of God or on the mere penitence of man, but upon ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the witness of the resurrection.htm

Does the Body Cause the Soul to Sin?
... But not such an one is the Incorruptible,"not senseless ... is called man, and God has
called man to life ... your soul heard and believed on Jesus Christ, and with ...
/.../chapter viii does the body cause.htm

Christ Precious to Believers
... Father's throne, he says, "O what a precious Christ he is ... But suppose another case;
that of a man drawn for a ... In such times men always look out for substitutes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ precious to believers.htm

The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection
... famine, and plague, may become messengers for Christ, for he ... years ago in Perugia,
in Italy, a man of the ... he loathed God, and had arrived at such a desperate ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the power of christ illustrated.htm

John Chapter xiii. 36-38.
... Thou shalt follow me afterwards." Why such haste, Peter ... the evil he had committed
in denying Christ, he showed ... the lesson to ourselves, that no man should place ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxvi john chapter xiii.htm

Regarding the Things Said Concerning Christ.
... and Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up ... of the statements made and written about
Christ the Saviour ... piercing with nails, death and all such like natural ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xviii regarding the things said.htm