THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE: JESUS, OUR ETERNAL HOPE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:
"Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’" – John 11:25-26
Supporting Texts:
1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Romans 6:8-9, 1 Peter 1:3-4, Philippians 3:10-11, Revelation 21:4
INTRODUCTION:
The greatest question of life is, "What happens after death?" Humanity has always sought answers to the mystery of life beyond the grave. Many fear death because they see it as the end, but for believers in Christ, death is not the final destination—it is a transition into eternal glory.
Jesus Christ declared, "I am the resurrection and the life," revealing that He alone has power over death. His resurrection is the foundation of our faith, giving us confidence that those who believe in Him will live forever. This truth assures us that physical death is not the end but the beginning of a glorious eternity with God.
As we explore this powerful statement of Jesus, we will see how His resurrection guarantees our victory over death, secures our eternal hope, and empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that our future is in His hands.
1. JESUS, THE SOURCE OF RESURRECTION POWER
Jesus is not just a messenger of life—He is life itself.
a) Jesus has power over life and death (John 10:17-18).
He laid down His life and took it up again.
b) His resurrection proves His victory over death (Revelation 1:18).
He holds the keys of death and Hades.
c) Jesus gives eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 3:16).
Faith in Christ ensures everlasting life.
d) Death has no hold on those in Christ (Romans 8:11).
The same Spirit that raised Jesus dwells in us.
e) Biblical Example: The resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:43-44).
Jesus demonstrated His power over the grave.
2. JESUS, OUR VICTORY OVER THE FEAR OF DEATH
For believers, death is no longer something to fear.
a) Death is swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
Christ’s resurrection conquered death.
b) We will be raised with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4).
The resurrection is our future hope.
c) Eternal life begins the moment we believe (John 5:24).
We have already passed from death to life.
d) Jesus will return to raise the dead in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
The resurrection assures us of the rapture.
e) Biblical Example: Stephen’s death (Acts 7:55-59).
He saw heaven opened as he was being martyred.
3. JESUS, THE GUARANTEE OF OUR FUTURE RESURRECTION
The resurrection of Christ ensures our resurrection.
a) Christ is the firstfruits of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
His resurrection is the pattern for ours.
b) Our bodies will be transformed like His (Philippians 3:20-21).
We will receive glorified bodies.
c) The dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Those who died in faith will rise again.
d) We will reign with Christ forever (Revelation 20:6).
Our future is eternal glory with Him.
e) Biblical Example: The saints who rose after Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 27:52-53).
A preview of our future resurrection.
4. JESUS, THE HOPE THAT SUSTAINS US IN TRIALS
Because of our resurrection hope, we endure trials with faith.
a) Our present sufferings are temporary (Romans 8:18).
Eternal glory outweighs present pain.
b) We are strengthened by the hope of resurrection (2 Corinthians 4:14-16).
Our trials prepare us for eternal glory.
c) We endure persecution with joy (Matthew 5:11-12).
Our reward is in heaven.
d) Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35-39).
The resurrection secures our eternal destiny.
e) Biblical Example: Job’s declaration of resurrection hope (Job 19:25-27).
He believed in seeing God after death.
5. JESUS, OUR CALL TO LIVE WITH ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
The resurrection should shape how we live today.
a) We seek the things above (Colossians 3:1-2).
Our focus is on eternal matters.
b) We live holy and righteous lives (1 John 3:2-3).
Those who hope in Christ purify themselves.
c) We invest in the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:19-20).
Our treasure should be in heaven.
d) We proclaim the gospel boldly (2 Corinthians 5:20).
The resurrection is the foundation of our message.
e) Biblical Example: Paul’s commitment to preach Christ (Philippians 1:20-21).
He lived and died for the sake of the gospel.
CONCLUSION:
Jesus is not only the resurrection but also the life. His resurrection assures us of our own resurrection and victory over death. For believers, death is not the end; it is the beginning of eternal life with Christ. The power of His resurrection sustains us in trials, empowers us to live for God, and gives us a reason to proclaim the gospel boldly.
As we live with the hope of the resurrection, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, walk in righteousness, and invest in things that have eternal value. May we always remember that because He lives, we too shall live forever.
PRAYER POINTS:
1 Lord Jesus, thank You for being my resurrection and my life.
2 Father, help me to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on heavenly things.
3 Lord, let the power of Your resurrection work in my life daily.
4 Give me boldness to share the message of resurrection with others.
5 Strengthen my faith to endure trials, knowing my eternal reward is secure.
