"Because I Live . . ."

When Jesus prepared the disciples for His death, He tried to tell them about the Resurrection: [T]he world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live you also will live. (Jn. 14:19 NIV)

The disciples did not understand—just as we so often fail to understand God’s Word. But the promises are available nevertheless. They’re available to all who come to Him. We will see Jesus and we will rise from the dead.

Jesus’ promises can be especially helpful and comforting when observing occasions such as Memorial Day. Many people will visit graves of family members or beloved friends. We are reminded of death as the final foe—our point of separation from this world. Then we remember the promise of life after death from Jesus.

The Apostle Paul claimed life after death when he quoted Hosea, Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? (I Cor. 15:55)

Originally published May 27, 1983.

The Incorruptible Son

Although the failure of Jesus’ body to decay was a miracle in the material realm, within the spiritual realm it made and makes perfect sense. A sinless, immutable God cannot decompose or decay. Neither death nor Satan will ever prevail against the incorruptible Son of God. It’s spiritually—and therefore physically—impossible.

The importance of Jesus’ resurrection—the victory of His incorruptible body over death—cannot be overemphasized. Paul said, if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain . . . you faith is futile, you are still in your sins! (I Cor. 15:14a,17b NKJV) We worship Jesus, in part, because we believe the life of God in Him could not be destroyed.

Furthermore, because Jesus—God manifested in flesh—could not be destroyed, the life of God manifested within individual people cannot be destroyed. Because Christ is within our mortal bodies, we are spiritually alive.

Originally published May 22, 1987 and April 5, 1991
Picture: Lindenwood Park, Fargo, 2008. Photo by Solveig.