We celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ on what is commonly referred to as Easter in most parts of the world, but why Easter? Why was Christ Jesus raised from the dead? The Bible holds the answer to this question and it is recorded in Romans 4:25. Christ was raised from the dead for our justification. In other words, Christ Jesus was resurrected from the dead for making us right with God which some translations of the Bible render as, making as ‘acceptable’ to God.
Those who believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection are imputed the righteousness of Jesus Christ and are justified … These are the ‘just’ who shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4) – a faith that should not be futile but fruitful (1 Corinthians 15: 17; Romans 7:4).
Points to ponder:
Since Christ is risen, we who believe in him are made ‘just’ and accepted by God in his beloved, and we as the just must live by faith. Is our faith futile (vain and dead) or is it fruitful (bring forth fruit) unto God?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, let me live by faith, a faith that bears forth the fruit of the Spirit and not be one in vain, as if you never rose from the dead.
Romans 4:25 (KJV)
25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Habakkuk 2:4 (KJV)
4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
1 Corinthians 15:17 (KJV)
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Romans 7:4 (KJV)
4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.