Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-23.
Memory Verse: 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
Article 3. CRUCIFIXION AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
We believe the Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ was crucified in the middle of the week, on the day we call Wednesday towards sunset. He remained in the tomb for three days and three nights, and arose towards the sunset of the Sabbath day (Saturday), fulfilling the “sign” given by Himself. (Matthew 12:39 40; 28:1; Luke 23:54)
Introduction:
Jesus, speaking of Himself after the resurrection, said “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19). Our assurance of a future life would rest on shaky ground if it wasn’t for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because He lives we know that we shall live as well. The same power that raised Jesus from death to immortality will also raise us to everlasting life at His appearing.
How do we actually know that He was resurrected? There are many proofs. The evidence of the empty tomb that was witnessed by a number of people; the soldiers who were as dead men and the fact that they had to be bribed to give a false report; and the many individuals who saw Him after His resurrection all prove that Jesus bodily arose from the dead.
The Apostle Paul records that over 500 brethren saw Him at one time. When this was written most of those 500 were still alive. The early church had many enemies and, if the resurrection was a farce, it would have been easy to demand the names of these witnesses and show the falseness of the church’s claim. Paul was very confident of his statement, and the fact that it was not challenged at that time proves the validity of Christ’s resurrection.
But the greatest proof is expressed in a song: “You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.” The presence of Jesus Christ within is a Christian’s greatest proof that He lives. The change in the lives of those who accept Him as Savior should convince others that He lives; that change was proven in the lives of the Apostles who were willing to lay down their lives because of this truth.
The assurance of eternal life through Jesus’ resurrection is great, but there is another benefit that is often overlooked. He defeated Satan through His resurrection and thus assures us that we, too, can defeat Satan in our daily lives.
The Apostle Paul illustrates this principle in the sixth chapter of Romans. Here he teaches that, as new converts, we should be dead to sin but alive to God. Just as Jesus arose victorious over death, we should, by the same power that raised Jesus, live a life of victory over sin. The Apostle Paul vividly describes the struggle of a carnal man to live righteously and concludes that it can’t be done outside of Jesus Christ (Romans 7:15-25). The Apostle John adds his testimony: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).
Our salvation is dependent on the shed blood of Jesus Christ and its power to cleanse. But our hope of a future resurrection and the power to live a victorious Christian life is a result of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yes, because He lives we will live also. We can live a life of victory now, and we will live with Him forever because He lives.
Lesson Questions:
- How important is Christ’s resurrection to us as children of God? 1 Corinthians 15:14-18.
- What proof do we have that Jesus rose from the grave? Matthew 28:9-10; John 20:1-8, 19-23.
- How many saw Him at one time? 1 Corinthians 15:6. [NOTE: When Paul wrote this most of them were still alive and could testify to the fact that He arose.]
- What did Jesus’ resurrection further prove? Romans 1:3-4. Was this already established before? Matthew 3:16-17.
- How does Jesus’ resurrection assure us of a future resurrection? Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23.
- What warning does this give to the unrighteous? Acts 17:31; Jude 1:14-15
- What is the importance of Christ’s resurrection to our salvation? Romans 10:8-10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
- What does the resurrection of Jesus symbolize in our Christian walk? Romans 6:4-5, 11-13.
- What is our source of strength to live an overcoming life? Ephesians 3:17-21; 1 John 4:4.
- What is the nature of Jesus’ life since His resurrection? Romans 6:9; Revelation 1:18.