Resurrection: The Hope Of Every Believer Series

RESURRECTION: THE HOPE OF EVERY BELIEVER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

"But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive." – 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Supporting Texts:

1 Peter 1:3, John 11:25-26, Philippians 3:20-21, Romans 6:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

INTRODUCTION:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it, our faith would be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). It is the greatest demonstration of God's power and the assurance that believers will one day be resurrected to eternal life. The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is the foundation of our hope, our victory over sin and death, and the guarantee of our future glory.

In Adam, all humanity was condemned to death because of sin. But through Jesus, the second Adam, all who believe in Him have received the gift of eternal life (Romans 5:12-19). The resurrection of Jesus is the proof that death is not the end for the believer. It is a passage to eternal life with Christ.

As we study the significance of the resurrection, we will explore how it is the believer’s hope, the victory over death, and the assurance of our eternal destiny.

1. THE RESURRECTION IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH

Without the resurrection, Christianity would have no power.

a) The resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4).

His victory over death confirms His divine nature.

b) It validates the Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:14).

If Christ had not risen, our faith would be meaningless.

c) The resurrection confirms our justification (Romans 4:25).

Through His resurrection, we are declared righteous before God.

d) It guarantees that God's promises are true (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Every promise in Christ is fulfilled because He lives.

e) Biblical Example: The disciples' transformation (Acts 4:33).

After witnessing the resurrection, they boldly preached the Gospel.

2. THE RESURRECTION CONQUERED THE POWER OF DEATH

Jesus’ resurrection means death is no longer final for believers.

a) Death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Through Christ, we have victory over the grave.

b) Jesus has the keys of death and hell (Revelation 1:18).

He has ultimate authority over life and death.

c) Believers will rise again (John 11:25-26).

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

d) Death is now a transition to glory (Philippians 1:21).

For believers, to die is gain because we will be with Christ.

e) Biblical Example: The resurrection of the saints (Matthew 27:52-53).

At Jesus’ resurrection, many saints also rose from the dead.

3. THE RESURRECTION GIVES US A LIVING HOPE

The believer’s hope is based on the fact that Jesus is alive.

a) We are born again into a living hope (1 Peter 1:3).

Our future is secure because Christ is risen.

b) We will receive glorified bodies (Philippians 3:20-21).

Our earthly bodies will be transformed to be like Christ’s.

c) Our suffering is temporary (Romans 8:18).

The resurrection assures us of eternal joy beyond present trials.

d) Christ is preparing a place for us (John 14:2-3).

Because He lives, we have a home in heaven.

e) Biblical Example: Job’s hope in the resurrection (Job 19:25-27).

Even in suffering, Job believed he would see God.

4. THE RESURRECTION EMPOWERS US TO LIVE VICTORIOUSLY

We can live in resurrection power daily.

a) The same power that raised Jesus lives in us (Romans 8:11).

We are strengthened by the Spirit of God.

b) We are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:4-5).

We walk in the newness of life through Christ’s resurrection.

c) We have authority over the enemy (Luke 10:19).

The resurrection power gives us dominion over darkness.

d) Every dead situation can be revived (Ezekiel 37:12-14).

The resurrection breathes life into hopeless circumstances.

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s restoration (John 21:15-17).

After denying Jesus, he was restored and empowered to lead.

5. THE RESURRECTION GUARANTEES OUR FUTURE GLORY

Because He lives, we will also reign with Him.

a) We will reign with Christ forever (2 Timothy 2:11-12).

Resurrection power makes us co-heirs with Jesus.

b) We will be caught up with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

The resurrection ensures our participation in the rapture.

c) Our names are written in the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5).

We have the assurance of eternal security.

d) We will inherit the kingdom of God (Matthew 25:34).

The resurrection qualifies us for heavenly rewards.

e) Biblical Example: The two men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32).

Their encounter with the risen Christ turned their sorrow into joy.

CONCLUSION:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hope of every believer. It assures us that our faith is not in vain, that death is not the end, and that eternal life is guaranteed. Through His resurrection, we have victory, we have power, and we have the blessed hope of reigning with Him forever.