In the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, there are three fundamental movements that are often overlooked.
The Gospels, when examined closely, provide a framework that highlights the significance of these three movements: the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, his passion and death on the cross, and his resurrection.
The incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, his physical coming into the world, is crucial because it enables Jesus Christ to identify with humanity. By taking on human flesh and acquiring something that was not his before, Jesus Christ establishes a profound connection with the human race.
Without the incarnation, there would be no identification between Jesus Christ and humanity. Therefore, the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ is of utmost importance. God the Son, taking upon Himself something that He did not possess before, without compromising His full divinity, exemplifies this concept.
The second movement that the history of the Gospel revolves around is his passive obedience and humiliation, culminating in his death on the cross.
The death on the cross is arguably one of the most significant movements depicted in the Gospels. It is a central theme in both the New and Old Testaments, emphasizing that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God, was born in this world to go to the cross and die for the sins of His elect.
This movement, for good reason, has been a focal point of the Church’s teachings throughout history. The cross, or the death on the cross of Jesus Christ, his passion, and his suffering for our sins, have been the cornerstone of the Church’s theology. We meditate upon it, discuss it extensively, and emphasize its importance.
We acknowledge the atoning substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins, for our benefit, and for the forgiveness of our sins. This movement is equally significant and has been a constant emphasis in the Church’s teachings.
If Jesus did not die on the cross, if He did not suffer for our sins, if He did not receive the full wrath of God on the cross, then there is no forgiveness of sins. There is no penal substitutionary atonement. There is no payment for our sins in our place. There is no “Jesus died for me.” This is the second movement.
However, there is a third movement that the church is beginning to recover the sense of, to understand once again. And that is the movement of the resurrection.
Consider, for example, how crucial the resurrection is for the New Testament. In the book of Acts chapter two, Peter speaks not only about the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross but also about His resurrection. He states that God has resurrected Him from the dead, vindicating Jesus Christ as the Son of God, as the one who was Lord and a Messiah of the people of Israel according to the promises of the Old Testament.
This is a very important emphasis that the New Testament places on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Indeed, every Easter Sunday, we speak about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We affirm that He has risen again, and we respond with “He is risen indeed.” However, that is not sufficient. That is not the entire emphasis of the New Testament to affirm that He has risen is good. We must go deeper than that.
We must constantly remind ourselves that He rose again for our benefit. That He was not permitted to remain dead, not only because death could not hold Him captive but also because He is the first fruits of God’s people, as the book of Corinthians states. He is experiencing resurrection in our place for our benefit.
The New Testament emphasizes that Jesus Christ was incarnate for our benefit, allowing us to partake in every suffering and experience without sin. Additionally, it highlights that Jesus died on the cross in our place and for our sins. Furthermore, the New Testament underscores the resurrection of Jesus Christ, his ascension to the right hand of God the Father in our place, and the benefits it brings to us.
Philippians 2 presents the idea that Jesus Christ not only descended to earth but also ascended, received glory, and is now seated on his throne, ruling the universe. This power, resurrection, and throne-holding are not disconnected from us; rather, they benefit the Church. The Holy Spirit, sent by the risen and resurrected Christ, dwells within us, communicating the same power that Jesus enjoys. This enables us to be spiritually present where he is, as he rules the world with might and power. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and his presence in us, we are empowered to transform, renew, and rework our lives according to God’s will.
Therefore, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is not an abstract concept; it is a power that affects our lives immediately. It propels us towards sanctification, enabling us to live transformed lives. It reassures us that Jesus Christ is not abandoned but is alive, and that the Spirit of Christ dwells within us, empowering us to live the Christian life.
The hope of the resurrection lies in its immediate impact on our lives. It affirms that our Savior is not dead but alive. Ultimately, this resurrected Christ will resurrect us as well, just as he did.
Therefore, we too will be resurrected alongside Him. However, this is not a future event; it is a present reality. The Holy Spirit communicates the power and joy of Christ to us, enabling us to experience this resurrection now.
Being united with Christ involves three key aspects: His incarnation, where He empathizes with us; His suffering, where He dies for us; and His resurrection, where He applies all the salvation He has acquired to us, empowering us to live the Christian life.
The same Spirit that communicates the benefits of Christ to us also guides us to the Father and the Son in glory at the end of days. Consequently, we can celebrate and confess that because Christ has risen, we too will rise with Him!
With much love,
Rev. Cristian Garcia
Da Lucem, Domine!