Of Christ's Resurrection and Ours

In dying on the cross, Christ took upon Himself the penalty for our sins (Romans 5:8). He paid the price that we would never have been able to pay. In rising from the dead, Jesus shows us not only are we dead to sin in Him, but indeed, we are risen with Him to new life in Christ (Romans 6:5). When we unite with Him we not only unite with Him in His death by putting to death the sin in our lives, we are unite with Him is resurrection by becoming alive again to new life in Christ (Philippians 3:10-11).

What is this new life that we have been raised with Christ into? First off, it is a life live in God’s approval. According to Paul, Christ was raised for our justification (Romans 4:25). When God raised Christ from the dead, it was His ultimate sign of approval. Because we are united with Christ, His approval is also our approval. Secondly, it is a life of power. In his letter the church in Ephesus, Paul indicates that the same power by which God raised Christ from the dead is at work in each of us (Ephesians 1:19-20). Just as Christ, Who was dead in His tomb for three days, was given new life by the power of God at work within Him, so we are as well. What is this power? It is the power of continuing victory and freedom over sin (Romans 6:14). It is the power of continuing Christ’s ministry (Acts 1:8). It is the power of God’s Spirit that works within each us, honing and perfecting us, to make us more like Christ (2 Corinthians 4: 7-12).