Spirit Food - April 2019

The Reason For The Resurrection

Matthew 28:1-6 – “After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.

2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.

3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.

4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.

5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.

6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”

Galatians 3:13 – “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us – for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”

The Bible tells us that Christ was delivered up for our sins (John 3:16-17) and raised from the dead for our justification. You may already know why Jesus died for our sins, but do you know the significance of God raising Him from the dead?

It will be reckoned (and reckoned is an accounting term – meaning to establish by counting or conclude after calculation, be of the opinion) to us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification. (Romans 4:24-25)

Allow me give you an illustration to help you understand the significance of Jesus’ resurrection.

Let’s say that you are living in a foreign country. One day, you happen to break a major law of the land. You appeal to the authorities for mercy, but the judge says, “A law is a law. I cannot bend the law for you. What would others say about my integrity, or the position of authority I’ve been placed in? However, if you can find a substitute to take your punishment – three months in jail – I will allow it.”

Then, by God’s grace, you find a willing substitute. So, he goes to prison on your behalf and you don’t see him for some time (until that person is released).

How or when will you know that your crime has been fully paid for? When will you be able to rest easy regarding your crime? It is when you see your substitute walking free again! When you see him out of prison, you will know that the sentence has been fully served. You will know that you are now justified and no one can bring a charge against you for your old crime. No longer will you be afraid of the authorities coming after you because you know that the one who was punished in your place is now walking free.

Believer’s, Jesus, your substitute, paid the debt for your sin you could not pay. On the cross, Jesus bore the sins of your entire life (past, present, and future). Jesus accepted all of mankind’s sin by faith. Then God unleashed His Almighty wrath on the sin Jesus had accepted, punishing Jesus for every single one of those sins until He (Almighty God) was fully satisfied. And because He was so pleased with what Jesus had done, He raised Him from the dead. Understand that God is a just God, and the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)

Today, Jesus’ tomb remains empty. He is not there for He has risen! His resurrection and empty tomb will forever be our assurance that we have been fully justified. You no longer have to be afraid of God judging you for your sins. His justice is on your side today!

As a result of His death and resurrection, we have a New Covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13)! Our Heavenly Father has bestowed His grace and mercy upon mankind, our part is to receive it. His mercy is renewed to us every morning! (Lamentations 3:23) “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

I encourage you, as we celebrate His death, burial, and resurrection, and receive what Jesus has accomplished for us, let us remember to be fruit producers, allowing His love, grace, and mercy to flow through us to others, attracting them to Himself.

Rev. Dr. Mark Krom, Ph.D., PsyD

Mark Krom Ministries

drmkrom@gmail.com