And On the Third Day...

"If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead."  - Tim Keller

Jesus' life was marked by many remarkable days. It was a memorable day when Jesus came to Bethlehem. It was a significant day when Jesus was baptized by John (Matthew 3:13-17). The day Jesus embarked to Jerusalem to die for sinful humanity was a meaningful day, as well.

The Friday of the Crucifixion (Good Friday or Holy Friday) has been studied and pored over throughout the years. But is is on that long ago Sunday following Good Friday which we will focus on today.

And it is this day, in particular, that has uniquely affected Christianity. Paul and various New Testament writers carefully record the account of Jesus' resurrection day (1 Corinthians 15:4).

Without any question that third day made a difference. It changed the Crucifixion from grim, distressing news of death to the wonderful news of deliverance. There are distinct differences that are presented to us by the third day.

The third day authenticated the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a historical event. It removed the Resurrection from the scope of philosophical speculation and put it in the realm of historical fact (1 Corinthians 15:20).

The third day, the day of Jesus' resurrection, makes a tremendous difference in the redemption of humanity. For you and I to feel totally secure in our salvation, the resurrection of Jesus is a necessity (1 Corinthians 15:17). When He rose from the grave, a whole new perspective was placed on the Crucifixion.

The third day promises every believer that there will be an eternity with the Lord. His resurrection makes the difference between gloomy, hopelessness about life beyond the grave and glorious hope.

Because Jesus rose from the dead, Christians know they, too, will be raised from the dead and will possess resurrected bodies (1 Corinthians 15:17-18). For without His resurrection Christians would have no hope for a future life.

Scripture: Romans 10:9; John 11:25; Acts 17:31; Romans 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:14

Prayer: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, amen.

May God's Word be the life you live,

~Eve