Essential Facts About the Resurrection

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified on a cross and died. He was
buried in a tomb and on the third day after His death He was raised from
the dead. The blood he shed was an atonement (a cleansing) for
mankind’s sin. If you accept His act of sacrifice and pray to ask Him to
be your personal Lord and Savior, you will be born again (Romans 3:23,
5:8, 6:23; John 3:16, 14:6).

The Resurrection is a historical fact. There were more than 500 of Jesus’ followers who witnessed the Resurrected Jesus. God responded to Jesus’ death on the Cross. God, the Father, raised Jesus, His Son, from the dead (1 Cor. 15:4). His participation and power in the Resurrection demonstrated that God accepted Jesus’ payment for our sins (1 Cor. 15:17). The Resurrection also reveals God’s response towards us. We have a new relationship with God. When we believe in Jesus, we are justified before God (Romans 5:9). We become a new creation, the children of God (Romans 10:10, 2 Cor. 5:17, John 1:12). Now we live in the promise that eternal life awaits us (1 Cor. 15:20-23).

Why are there four accounts on the Resurrection?

Four of Jesus’ close followers, or disciples, each wrote an account of the happening.

When is the Resurrection celebrated?

• Palm Sunday on April 14, 2019, marks the day that Jesus returned to Jerusalem, the week of His death (Matthew 21:7–9).
• Good Friday on April 19, 2019, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27: 32–56).
• Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, on April 21, 2019, celebrates the Resurrection. A time when Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary found the tomb empty (Luke 24:1–6).

Read More About the Resurrection in the Bible

• Christ’s crucifixion was foretold in Psalms, written by King David 1,000 years before Jesus was born (Psalm 22:16–18; Mark 15:24; John 19:32–33; Psalm 22:17)
• Salvation: Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23; John 3:16, 14:6
• Resurrection: Mathew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20

“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’ ‘How can someone be born when they are old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.’ ”

How are Christians transformed by the Cross?

How does the Cross change you? The Cross changes our relationship with God, who intervened on our behalf when Jesus died for our sins. (John 3:16,17). By accepting Christ you are transformed into a new creature and washed of your sins. This allows you to be forgiven and reconciled to God through Jesus’ death

(2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, we are no longer enemies of God, sinners and powerless; rather, the love of God pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit and He is real and present.

Take Up Your Cross Daily

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’ ” (Luke 9:23 ESV). The cross is not only a symbol of salvation but it is a symbol of death. Jesus asks us to not only believe He existed and that He alone can save us, He asks us to commit our whole lives to Him, to put to death our own will, desires and plans.

We are to trust Him and to follow Him as His disciple. He said, “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27 NIV).

“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”