How Does Christ’s Resurrection Impact Our Future?

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. (1 Corinthians 15:19)

Today’s big question: how does Christ’s Resurrection impact our future?

The impact of Christ’s work on the Cross is more than my brain can handle. Just thinking of how the perfect Son of God appeased the wrath of God by taking the entire punishment for our sins is mind-blowing. It is unfathomable that Jesus did this to redeem His enemies (Romans 5:8–10). Additionally, the fact that God determined the plan of salvation before the foundation of the world should cause you to worship God in humble adoration for His eternal and limitless power and grace.

When Jesus said “It is finished” on the Cross(John 19:30), the penalty for my sin had been paid, God’s wrath was appeased, and the once-and-for-all sacrifice of my perfect and precious Substitute was accepted. The power of that transaction led to the amazing fruit of Christ’s completed work—the Resurrection. On the third day Christ rose from the dead. The grave was vacated. Christ is risen! This truth is of the utmost importance for us to know and believe. The future resurrection of the dead is the confidence of every believer because Jesus has defeated death.

In 1 Corinthians 15 the Apostle Paul states these amazing truths about the Resurrection. We cannot miss Paul’s emphasis that the Resurrection is an absolutely essential element of the gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).

He also emphasized that the Resurrection has significant eschatological ramifications. Because of Christ’s Resurrection, we know He has the power and authority to back up His promise that we also will be raised. We can remember this truth every time we see a coffin being placed into the ground. Because Christ is risen, death has lost its sting, and there will be a day when death will be no more. Our confidence in the final consummation of all things is linked to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As I read today’s verse, God’s Word convicted my heart. Are Christians to be those with pitiable lives? Do we follow a lost cause? If we have no vision of future victory, we are left without hope. This is truly pitiable. However, since Christ is Risen, our future is certain. Our King is triumphant over the grave and He will also raise us with transformed bodies, incorruptible and everlasting.

When death has no sting, no pity is required. The wonder of Christ’s atoning work on the Cross was demonstrated in His victorious Resurrection, which gives assurance to all believers. No, my hope is not a fairy tale wish that will never come true. Christ is Risen!

Today’s big idea: my hope is assured in the Resurrection of my Savior.

What to pray: tell God you are looking forward to the great day of resurrection.