In a Nutshell:

Yesterday we reflected on Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Today, we consider the resurrection as God the Father’s powerful “Amen,” His divine validation and acceptance of that completed payment for our sins.

Anchor Verse:

Romans 4:25 (NIV) “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

Unpacking the Word:

Yesterday, we focused on the powerful declaration of “It is finished” on the cross. Today, let’s consider the event that followed: the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Colin explained, while the cross was where the victory was won and the debt paid, the resurrection served as God the Father’s resounding “YES!” It was the divine confirmation that the sacrifice was accepted, that justice was satisfied, and that death had been defeated.

Think of it like receiving a receipt after making a payment. The initial transaction signifies the exchange, but the receipt provides tangible proof that the transaction is complete and acknowledged. Similarly, Jesus’ death on the cross was the complete payment for our sins. The resurrection is God’s official receipt, His undeniable validation that this payment was not only made but was also fully accepted and effective.

Romans 4:25 beautifully articulates this truth: Jesus “was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” The first part of the verse highlights the atoning sacrifice on the cross, where Jesus bore the penalty for our transgressions. The second part emphasizes the significance of the resurrection – it was for our justification, meaning to declare us righteous in God’s sight. If Jesus had remained in the grave, it would have suggested that the payment was insufficient or rejected. But His resurrection powerfully declares that God accepted His sacrifice, and therefore, we can be declared righteous through faith in Him.

The resurrection is not just a historical event; it’s the cornerstone of our faith. It provides the assurance that sin and death no longer have dominion over us. It guarantees our justification, our right standing with God. It’s the ultimate proof that “it is finished” was not just an empty statement but a reality ratified by divine power. We can live with confidence and hope, knowing that our salvation is secure, not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ has accomplished and the Father has validated through the resurrection.

Pause and Reflect:

How does the reality of Jesus’ resurrection strengthen your confidence in the forgiveness of your sins? In what ways does the resurrection impact your understanding of God’s love and acceptance for you? How can you live more fully in the light of the resurrection victory today?

Faith in Action:

Spend some time today reflecting on the significance of the resurrection. Perhaps read the resurrection accounts in the Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20). Thank God for raising Jesus from the dead and for the assurance of your justification.

A Moment With God:

Heavenly Father, thank You for raising Jesus from the dead, confirming His victory over sin and death. Thank You for the gift of justification that comes through His resurrection. Help me to live in the power of this truth today.

---