The elementary principles are for building a spiritual foundation for the spiritual man. Read that again. Now consider that Jesus Christ is making disciples and building His church. Being the wise maker and builder that He is, we can assume that He would not make or build anything on a poor foundation.

Lest we get discouraged, let’s look at this from a more positive perspective. These principles are elementary. They are not deeply mysterious. They are easily understood (for a child’s mind) and consumed (as milk). Furthermore, they are the word of God: Alive and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12); and they will accomplish that for which they are intended (Isaiah 55:11).

Our Father is loving and good. Even though we may be more immature than babes, there is hope for our understanding and belief. We have been given a Teacher.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 1Corinthians 2:12

Keep this in mind, as we search out the principle of the resurrection of the dead. Allow the Holy Spirit to demonstrate Himself and the power of God, in the word of God, in regards to this elementary and foundational truth.

The Importance of Resurrection

For many the “gospel” has been reduced to something like “Jesus died on the cross to save me from my sins, so I could be with Him in Heaven”. Resurrection, in relation to our salvation, is an afterthought – if given any thought at all. This is unfortunate; for without resurrection, our faith in the mercy and grace of the cross is worthless.

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 1Corinthians 15:16-17

Furthermore, it is not Christ’s death on the cross that saves us.

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10

Jesus Christ’s death on the cross reconciled us to God; but, it is His life that “much more” saves us. If He had not been resurrected, we would have no hope of salvation.

Paul goes on to explain the connection between Jesus’ resurrection and our own:

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. 1Corinthians 15:20-22

There is an incredible truth in this passage: Without the resurrection of Christ there would be no resurrection of the dead. Think about that. He is the first of all that are resurrected! Therefore, we understand that this “resurrection of the dead” is something more that the “raising of the dead” found in both the Old Testament and in the Gospel accounts of that miracle.

It would be profitable at this point to pause and consider the truth and import of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Most of us recognize the danger of acknowledging a truth, but coming short of belief in that truth. It is with the heart that man believes. Allow the importance or resurrection to find their place in your heart.

Similarly, it is possible – once we believe – to do so without living out of that belief. It is not enough to acknowledge and believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. “Faith without works is dead” applies as much to the resurrection as any other faith we claim.

Living out of the resurrected life of Jesus Christ will be the subject of Part 2. In the meantime, through the hearing that you have been given, receive the word of God into your heart; where it will become faith.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Humbly Yours and Forever His,