The resurrection of Jesus Christ is significant,
not just because he defeated (physical/temporal) Death;
but more importantly,
because He defeated (spiritual/eternal) DEATH. *
The first victory over Death is merely miraculous.
The second victory over DEATH is Divine;
and is what makes possible the move from utter annihilation
to restored "sonship" with the Father in Heaven. **
Christ’s Resurrection gave the early 1st Century Christians
JOY, HOPE and delicious FREEDOM from the STARK TERROR,
(that lay await) for departed souls existing beyond the grave. ***
For most THEN, the idea of death was horrifying; and an ever present reality…
For most TODAY, the idea of death is offensive and inconvenient; and marked by anesthetizing denial...
REJOICE! Christ's Life, Death and Resurrection makes it possible to have LIFE over DEATH!!!
*"Where their worm does not die and their fire is not quenched". (Mark 9:48)
** But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son… so that we might receive adoption as sons.
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God (Gal 4:4 - 4:7)
*** 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality,
then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
1Co 15:54-55
