The Unique Resurrection Of Jesus (2)
Why is Christ’s resurrection unique?
(1) He’s the only one who didn’t die again. In Scripture all others who rose from the dead, died again. Jesus was the glorious exception. Consequently, ‘He was made a priest, not by human rules and regulations, but through the power of a life which has no end.’ (Hebrews 7:16GNT) His testimony stands: ‘I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!’ (Revelation 1:18NIV)
(2) He alone ascended into Heaven to represent us before God. Other priests died and ceased to serve. But Jesus was declared ‘a priest forever.’ (Hebrews 7:17NIV) And He’s not sitting around awaiting the Second Coming; He’s representing us before God. ‘He entered Heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.’ (Hebrews 9:24NIV) That means no accusation against us can stand. ‘Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honour at God's right hand, pleading for us.’ (Romans 8:34NLT)
(3) He has the power to resurrect you when you die. Jesus comforted His disciples with this awesome promise: ‘Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live.’ (John 14:19NIV) And that promise applies to you too! ‘For the Lord Himself will come down from Heaven…and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.’ (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17NIV) What a day that will be!