“This physical resurrection is the proof of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, proof that the work is really done, that nothing need be added to His glorious substitutionary work for our justification. But even this does not exhaust the matter. We are told in the Word of God, by the Apostle Paul, that in Christ’s resurrection we see the promise, the first fruits, of our own coming physical resurrection. What we see Him to be after His resurrection, Paul insists, we shall be. When I consider the resurrection of Jesus Christ, not merely in the world of religious ideas or ideals, but in the world of space and time and reality, I have the promise from the hand of God Himself that I will be so raised from death. This body is so much of myself in the total personality–the whole man—and it will not be left behind in the salvation which is brought forth through Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is of such a nature that the whole man will be redeemed. On one specific day, the Christian’s body will be raised from death and, like Christ’s risen body, glorified.”
– Francis Schaeffer
Reading Reflection:
It is true that Christianity offers profound emotional comfort in various ways. However, the gospel goes beyond merely uplifting our spirits with positive thoughts. The comfort we derive from it is rooted in real and tangible hope.
This hope finds its most profound expression in the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is not merely a testament to the occurrence of good things in this world or a fleeting ray of positivity to cling to. Rather, it is a promise of future resurrection. Christianity proclaims a concrete hope because death does not have the final say. Because Jesus conquered death, we will really live forever with Him in our resurrected bodies. This is glorious indeed!
