First, it assures our future resurrection. Because Jesus both died and rose again, we will be raised like Him.

1 Corinthians 15:20 says, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

The word “firstfruits” speaks of sampling, a foretaste, a glimpse. He is the first fruit. Jesus has died and has risen, so we know that our resurrected bodies in some way will resemble His resurrection body. To what extent, we cannot be certain. But if they were completely like His, it would mean that we would be clearly recognizable.

Second, the resurrection of Jesus is proof of future judgment. Now that may not sound all that exciting. But it’s something we need to know. We live in a society, and indeed a world, in which justice is often perverted and neglected. We look at things that happen and say, “How can that be? How could that happen?” The Resurrection means, among other things, that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

Third, the resurrection of Christ gives us the power to live the Christian life (Romans 8:11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Certainly, the Bible does not teach that we will be sinless in this physical body we now live in. On the other hand, we can sin less, not by our own abilities, but by the power of the Spirit. Christ can make us altogether different kinds of people. We must believe that. “Old things have passed away . . . all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). God can give you the power to live this Christian life.

With God all things are possible and this is your opportunity to make a difference in your life and that of another. God bless and keep you. Amen