THE BASIS OF OUR HOPE
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (I Peter 1:3).
Our hope is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Consequently we need never fear the grave. This is affirmed by Jesus when he said, “Because I live, you shall live also” (John 14:19). In John 11:25 He says, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.” This is affirmed by Paul who said, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” (I Cor. 15:17). The resurrection is the crown of Christ’s atoning work!
By His death and resurrection He bore the sins of the world, satisfied the righteousness of God, conquered death, and gave us a living hope!
Jesus’ resurrection insures our right standing before God. In Romans 4:25, Paul says Jesus was “raised for our justification.” That is, the penalty for sin was paid and Jesus’ work was complete.
Finally, since “God raised the Lord,” he “will raise us up by his power” (I Cor. 6:14). And “he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us…into his presence” (II Cor. 4:14).
Jesus’ resurrection is the basis of our hope as Christians.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
~ William Gaither