Jesus, Suffered and Died, to secure our resurrection from the dead.
"For, if we have been united with Him in a death like His we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His." Romans 6:5 (ESV)
The resurrection of Jesus is God's gift and proof that His death was completely successful in blotting out the sins of His people and removing the wrath of God. And by means of the resurrection, God the Father cries, "It is finished indeed!" (John 19:30). The great work of paying for our sin, and providing our righteousness and satisfying God's justice, was finished in the death of Jesus.
The Bible rings with the truth that belonging to Jesus means we will be raised from the dead with Him. Look at the opening Bible verse. "Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep." (1 Thess. 4:14) "God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power." (1 Corinthians 6:14)
Here's the connection between Jesus' death and our resurrection: "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law." (1 Cor. 15-56) Which means, we've all sinned. The law sentences sinners to everlasting death. The text continues, "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (v 57) In other words, the demand of the law is met by Jesus' life and death. Therefore, sins are forgiven. Therefore, the sting of sin is removed. Therefore, those who believe in Christ will NOT be sentenced to everlasting death, but will, "be raised imperishable... Then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." (1 Cor. 15: 52, 54) Make Jesus you focus on this Resurrection Celebration. (John Piper-The Passion of Christ)
Love you,
Joe
