In Part One, we explored the importance of Jesus’ resurrection and our participation with Him in it. We discovered that, without His resurrection, our faith is futile (1Corinthians 15:16-17). Why? Because it is by His life, not His death, that we shall be saved (Romans 5:10).
Furthermore, in Part Two, we learned that our resurrection begins when we are born again, through faith in Jesus’ resurrection.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… 1Peter 1:3
Paul encourages us to press on to the perfection found in the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:8-11); the exchange of our life for that of Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20).
Moving on to our conclusion, we consider the words of Watchman Nee: “We thank God that the church has actually experienced this resurrection power.”
This truly begs the question: Have you and I?
Resurrection Power
Paul understood, believed in, and lived out of the power of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. He knew that power; and had much to say about it.
First of all, because it is the very life of the Lord Jesus Christ, the fullness and possibility of this power is beyond our comprehension. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20-21). The power of His life is simply above our thinking.
Fortunately, there are many exciting passages that help us begin to understand the power of the resurrection. As you read the following, consider the truth and application of them in regards to your life and life situations. What does your resurrection, in Christ, mean for your trials, tribulations and kingdom adventures?
… nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. Luke 20:36
Being sons of the resurrection, we are accounted by Jesus as equal to the angels. Scripture is not clear as to the meaning of this equality. However, it is safe and profitable to consider their power and their importance as God’s messengers; for we are His ambassadors.
Our battle is against principalities, powers, and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). As sons of the resurrection, we are empowered for that battle.
And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33
Notice it was not with power, but with great power, that the apostles gave witness. There was more than grace upon them; it was great grace. As living witnesses of the resurrection, they walked in the greater than life that Jesus promised (John 14:12). The same is promised for His disciples today.
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11
The life that comes to us through our participation in the resurrection of Jesus, by the Spirit, flows out to our mortal bodies. This reminds me of stories I have heard of the visible glow of life seen in the children of God when they enter dark environments and countries. “You are the light of the world” is more than metaphor.
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers… that you may know… what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places… Ephesians 1:15-20
There is more than elementary principle in this passage; but, even on the surface, we find exceedingly great encouragement for the power of Christ’s resurrection directed toward those that are living in the resurrection of the dead. Stop and consider: Resurrection power is being directed, by God, toward you right now!
Conclusion
I have come to recognize, in searching out these elementary principles, that the elementary is often a doorway to the deeper mysteries of God. Particularly in this principle, it is difficult to avoid crossing the threshold. There is a force that draws the seeker into the depths; like the current of a mighty river.
That river is the life of Jesus Christ; and that force is the Holy Spirit. If you are being drawn, trust God, and surrender. Go with the flow. God’s sanctifying, transforming and saving processes are incredibly dynamic. He is the only one that can manage them; and He can!
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is working in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13
Our fear and trembling should be in the possibility that we might get in the way of God working through this elementary principle; that we would remain babes, in peril of falling away.
Application
The elementary principles are elementary. They are not difficult to understand; nor are they difficult to share. Invite a fellow disciple of Jesus Christ to search them out with you. Use the articles provided on the inLight Adventure blog as references for fellowship and study.
For further study, the following are some of my favorite books on this subject. Both can be found online.
The Power of His Resurrection; T. Austin-Sparks
Like Christ; Andrew Murray
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,
