The Resurrection: Central to the Gospel of Grace
"Because He lives, I am forever free."
In today's devotional, Bob Hoekstra underscores a critical and beautiful truth: the resurrection of Jesus Christ isn't merely a historical event to commemorate annually. It's the cornerstone of everything we believe as Christians living under the new covenant of grace. Paul makes it crystal clear—if Christ hasn't risen, our preaching would be empty, and our faith pointless. Without the resurrection, our trust would be anchored in nothing more than the story of a great moral teacher who failed His ultimate mission. The resurrection authenticates Christ's victory over sin and death, making Him a living Savior rather than merely a memory from the past.
The Apostle Paul emphasized how essential the resurrection is to our justification and sanctification. If Christ had remained in the grave, our sins would still hold power over us, our guilt would remain, and our faith would be utterly useless. But the magnificent truth is, Christ indeed rose from the grave, conquering death and securing our eternal forgiveness and freedom from sin's dominion. His resurrection ensures that our faith is alive, our hope is sure, and our standing before God is forever righteous through grace.
Paul clearly articulated this gospel truth, stating emphatically that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, precisely as prophesied in Scripture. The entire message of grace hinges on a risen Christ who gives life to our faith, victory over sin, and empowers us to live each day from His resurrected life within. Because He lives, we have unwavering confidence in every promise God has given us through Him. Indeed, the resurrection isn't simply foundational—it's transformative.
Personalized Journal Entry (in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture)
Beloved child, remember always: the same power that raised Christ from the dead now lives in you. Because Christ is risen, you have been born again to a living hope through His resurrection from the dead, obtaining an inheritance imperishable and undefiled, reserved in heaven for you. Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are no longer under law but under grace. Your old self was crucified with Christ, buried with Him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, you too might walk in newness of life.
Set your mind continually on things above, where Christ sits at My right hand, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in Me. When Christ, your life, appears, you also will appear with Him in glory. Walk confidently by faith, knowing that I who began this good work in you will faithfully carry it to completion. It is by grace you have been saved through faith, not of yourself—it is My gift to you. Therefore, rest confidently, child; My grace is sufficient, and My power is perfected in your dependence. Christ has become for you wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Let your heart rejoice, for your Redeemer lives, and so shall you.
(Romans 8:11; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Romans 6:14; Romans 6:4,6; Colossians 3:1-4; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Job 19:25)
My Prayer of Confident Trust
Father, thank You for the magnificent reality that Christ is risen indeed! Because of this truth, my faith is alive, vibrant, and eternally secure in Him. You've freely given me all that pertains to life and godliness through my risen Savior. Today, I simply rest in Your grace, knowing You have already provided victory over sin, confidence in trials, and the privilege of walking daily in newness of life. What a joy to live from the abundance of Christ’s resurrection life dwelling within me! Thank You, Father, for this boundless grace. In Jesus’ risen name, Amen.
Devotional insights adapted from "Day by Day by Grace," by Bob Hoekstra.
Photo credit: Unsplash.
Image idea: A vibrant sunrise over an empty tomb or an open cave entrance.