The Power of Jesus’ Resurrection in Our Justification
According to Romans 4:25, Jesus was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. But what does this really mean? The Greek word behind “for” can be translated as either “because of” or “in order to produce.” As we explore the link between Jesus’ resurrection and our justification, we begin to see the many facets of this profound truth.
Our Future Hope
One aspect of Jesus’ resurrection is that it guarantees our own physical bodies will one day return to life. This promise is rooted in the good news of Jesus’ sin-defeating death and resurrection, which inspires us to believe in, trust, obey, and worship him. As Ephesians 2:8 reminds us, justification is by grace through faith – and our faith itself requires the resurrection of Jesus.
The Source of Our Faith
Unless Jesus had defeated death, we could never have the faith in him necessary for our justification. In this sense, Jesus’ resurrection is the source of the faith that grounds our justification. As Romans 10:9 declares, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Justification: A Declaration of Righteousness
But what about Jesus’ need for justification? Justification is not just a forgiveness of sins, but a declaration of righteousness. Jesus’ resurrection has evidencing power, declaring him still righteous, just as his death declared him to have become sin. God’s wrath has been satisfied, and we share in Jesus’ justification. Because of his right standing with God, his people are made righteous too.
Faith: Putting Our Trust in Jesus
So how does Jesus apply salvation to us? Jesus himself saves us in the present, pleading for us before the throne of God on the grounds of his death and resurrection. As Romans 8:34 asks, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
A Personal Doctrine
Justification is not just a doctrinal or church doctrine; it is a deeply personal doctrine. It is the good news that inspires us to believe in, trust, obey, and worship Jesus. As we grasp the power of Jesus’ resurrection in our justification, we begin to see the many facets of this profound truth – and our lives are forever changed.
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