Thoughts from The Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 08:06

 

For the last article in the Easter series, let’s look at what it means to be raised with Christ. In other words, how are we made alive with our Lord who is alive?

by Cody Anderson Corinth Missionary Baptist Church

The Christian faith is based on the truth that Jesus resurrected from the dead and offers life to all who believe. This life is not limited to the afterlife. Life begins instantly, followed by a transformed mind and heart.
In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Paul writes, “But the fact is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man death came, by a Man also came the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive,” (NASB). Mankind has only known death and a fractured relationship with God since Adam’s sin. Through Jesus’ resurrection, Christ gives us life that is holy, purposeful, and eternal. We do not simply exist in this life, but are made more like our God in preparation for Christ’s return.
We are united with Christ in His victory over sin and death. Paul says in Romans 6:4,“Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life,” (NASB). When Jesus walked out of the tomb, He conquered death for us also. We now live a resurrected life as we were once dead in our trespasses and sins, but made alive through Christ’s resurrection.

What does a resurrected life mean for us today? I will just name a few: our sins are forgiven, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, and our future is secured in eternal glory. We cannot have life if we at first don’t realize we are dead in our sins. In Colossians 2:13 Paul states, “And when you were dead in your wrongdoings and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our wrongdoings,” (NASB). Spiritually we are dead, unable to reach God, but Christ came to us to bring us to God and life.

Once you are made alive, the Holy Spirit will grow and bear fruit in you. Again in Colossians 3:1-3 Paul urges believers in this truth, “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God,” (NASB). Being alive changes everything about you. You will think, act, and love in ways that reflect the Gospel in your life. The things we do will shift to be more kingdom oriented. The things we once loved will fall away, and our affections will be set on Christ and His glory.

Our bodily demise here is not the end for us. The resurrection assures that since Christ has risen, we too will rise. In John 11:25-26, Jesus poses this thought, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (NASB). This is the same question every soul must answer for themselves. Do you remain dead and in your sin, or have you been made alive in Christ? Are you merely existing in the world, or have you been born again, made alive, and seeking to glorify the One who made it all happen?