The Resurrection and the Life: Transformed by the Truth of Jesus - John 11:25
Introduction:
Today we gather to delve into the profound truth found in the words of Jesus Himself. In John 11:25, Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying."
Let us unpack this powerful statement and discover how it transforms our lives today.
1 Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life:
In John 11:25, Jesus proclaims Himself as the source of resurrection and life. He is not merely a messenger of life; He is Life personified.
Jesus spoke these words during the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His authority over death and His power to bring life even in the face of despair.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "Our Lord's words teach us that there is more in Him than we have yet known, and that we have need to study Him more, that we may enter into His fullness."
John 5:24 (NLT): "I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life."
In this verse, Jesus assures us of the transformative power of belief in Him. He declares that those who heed His words and trust in God will receive eternal life and be spared from condemnation. Through faith in Jesus, we transition from spiritual death to eternal life, experiencing salvation and reconciliation with God.
"Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right." - Max Lucado
John 14:6 (NLT): "Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'"
Here, Jesus unequivocally states that He is the exclusive path to God the Father. He is the embodiment of truth and life, and salvation is only attainable through Him. This verse underscores the unique and indispensable role of Jesus as the savior of humanity.
Acts 4:12 (NLT): "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."
The apostle Peter, speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit, proclaims the exclusive nature of salvation through Jesus Christ. This verse emphasises that salvation is found solely in Jesus Christ and that no other name can grant eternal life. It reaffirms the central role of Jesus as the only means of salvation.
2 Believing in the Resurrection and the Life:
Jesus invites us to believe in Him, promising eternal life to all who put their trust in Him. Belief in Jesus is not merely an intellectual assent but a life-transforming commitment.
Belief in Jesus brings about a spiritual resurrection, where we are made alive in Him and receive the gift of eternal life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "To believe in Jesus Christ means to participate in his resurrection, to live in the light of his resurrection, to die in the strength of his resurrection, and to hope for the day of his resurrection."
John 3:16 (NLT): "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
Perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16 encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message. It highlights God's profound love for humanity, demonstrated through the sacrificial gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Belief in Jesus leads to eternal life, demonstrating the inseparable link between faith and salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 (NLT): "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved."
In these verses, the apostle Paul outlines the simple yet profound steps to salvation: openly confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. Salvation is not attained through mere intellectual assent but through genuine faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Confession and belief are integral components of the salvation experience.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT): "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."
In Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the role of grace in salvation. He underscores that salvation is a gift from God, bestowed upon those who believe in Him. No amount of good works can earn salvation; it is purely by God's grace through faith. This passage highlights the foundational truth of salvation by grace alone.
3 Living in the Light of the Resurrection and the Life:
As believers in Jesus, we are called to live in the reality of His resurrection power. This means embracing newness of life, walking in victory over sin and death, and sharing the hope of Christ with others.
Jesus' resurrection assures us of our own future resurrection and empowers us to live boldly for Him in the present.
Oswald Chambers said, "The life of faith is not a life of mounting up with wings but a life of walking and not fainting."
Romans 6:4 (NLT):
"For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."
In Romans, Paul illustrates the transformative nature of salvation. Through baptism, believers participate in Christ's death and resurrection, symbolizing the death of their old selves and the emergence of new life in Christ. Salvation not only secures eternal life but also initiates a process of spiritual renewal and transformation.
1 Corinthians 15:20 (NLT):
"But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died."
This verse celebrates the reality of Christ's resurrection, which serves as the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Christ's victory over death paves the way for the resurrection of all believers. It assures us of our future resurrection and eternal life in Christ, providing hope and assurance in the face of mortality.
1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 (NLT):
"For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died... Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever."
In this passage, Paul comforts the Thessalonian believers with the hope of Christ's return and the resurrection of the dead. Believers anticipate the glorious reunion with departed loved ones and the eternal communion with Christ. This passage instills confidence and joy in the prospect of Christ's second coming and the fulfilment of God's promises.
Conclusion:
These verses collectively affirm the foundational truths of the Christian faith: salvation through Jesus Christ alone, the transformative power of belief, and the hope of resurrection and eternal life for all who trust in Him. They invite us to embrace the life-changing message of the Gospel and to live in the light of God's love and grace.
My dear friends, the truth of Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life is not merely a theological concept; it is a reality that transforms our lives. As we believe in Him, we receive the gift of eternal life and are empowered to live victoriously in this world. Let us embrace this truth, walk in the light of His resurrection, and share His life-giving message with all who need hope and salvation.
Application:
Today, let us reflect on our belief in Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life. Are we truly living in the light of His resurrection power? Let us commit ourselves afresh to walk in faith, embracing the new life He offers, and sharing His hope with those around us.
Call to Action:
I encourage you to take a moment to pray and ask God to deepen your understanding of Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life. Ask Him to reveal areas of your life where you need to experience His resurrection power more fully. And let us go forth from this place, transformed by the truth of Jesus, to live lives that bring glory to His name.
May God bless you abundantly as you walk in the reality of Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life. Amen.
