The Resurrection

What it means

On the third day God raised Jesus bodily from the dead, and the same crucified body that was laid in Joseph's tomb came forth alive, glorified and incorruptible, appearing to Mary, to the disciples, and to more than five hundred witnesses at once (1 Corinthians 15:4-8). The resurrection is the Father's public vindication of the Son, declaring Him to be the Son of God in power (Romans 1:4) and proving that the sacrifice of the cross was fully accepted, for He was raised for our justification (Romans 4:25). In rising, Christ conquered death itself, the last enemy, robbing the grave of its sting and abolishing its power (1 Corinthians 15:54-57; 2 Timothy 1:10). He is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, the guarantee that all who belong to Him will likewise be raised to share His resurrection life (1 Corinthians 15:20-23; Romans 6:5). This is no myth or wishful hope but a historical event attested by many witnesses, the foundation without which our faith would be empty (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17).