What Does Jesus’ Resurrection Mean to Us?
We will be resurrected.
Jesus’ resurrection assures us of our future resurrection. Since Jesus both died and rose again, we shall be raised like Him: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20–22 NIV).
We will have glorified bodies.
Our new, glorified bodies will be in some degree like Jesus after His resurrection (1 John 3:2–3). To what extent, we cannot be certain. Yet, if they were to be totally like His, it would mean that…
- We would be clearly recognizable.
- We would not be limited by the normal constraints of life.
- We would still be “touchable” (not disembodied spirits).
- We would still eat!
We will be judged.
Jesus’ resurrection is proof of a future judgment. “For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31 NIV). We have all seen people commit wrongs against others in this life, but this reminds us that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
We can live Christ-like lives.
Jesus’ resurrection gives us power to live the Christian life. “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you” (Romans 8:11).
