God Raised Him Up
But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.
Acts 2:24
Recently, an unbelieving acquaintance asked what was meant by the word gospel. Believers associate the term gospel with the good news that Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the dead so that all who believe in him might receive eternal life. On what basis can people trust this good news, however? This offer seems too good to be true and runs contrary to what most people believe about eternal life.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus struggled to convince people concerning the gospel. People still struggle to believe, in part, because Jesus offered himself and not the legal requirements of Jewish law as the guarantor of the gospel message. Jesus’ unconventional choice of acquaintances makes it even easier for his critics to conclude that neither he nor his message were from God. Not even Jesus’ miracles are enough to convert the unconvinced. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves, (John 14:11)
Jesus’ resurrection from the dead demonstrated that his claims concerning himself and his gospel were true and trustworthy. Why? Because God raised him from the dead. Even in the grave, Jesus willingly waited for his Father to act. By raising him, God affirmed Jesus’ identity as Lord and Savior and ascribed to him all authority regarding the eternal fate of the living and the dead.… he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead. (Acts 17:31)
Today know that by raising Jesus, God also affirmed that he will honor Jesus’ promises to those who trust in his name. What is true and possible for the Savior is true and possible for those he saves. Be encouraged today! The God who raised Jesus will also raise to eternal life those who trust in Jesus’ name.
Let’s Pray: Thank you, Father, for your great promises concerning salvation. Please forgive us when we act in fear and not in faith. We desire to trust in your promises with Jesus as our living example. Grant us the power to proclaim the gospel message boldly in every circumstance, knowing that our eternal future rests securely in your hands. In Jesus name, Amen
Scott