By Ashley LaBoube
The basis of Christianity, the power of God living in us, was the result of Deity becoming flesh, dying on a cross, and being resurrected from the dead. This resurrection power has brought life to every believer. However, this is not life ordinarily; it is life abundantly.
It could only come by Deity. No person of mortal characteristics could ever die and then raise himself from the grave. Jesus’ teachings were dependent on who He was and what He did, which proved His authority and supremacy to be “more than just a man.” Paul spoke of many who might teach with brilliant words yet lack correctness and truth (Colossians 2:20–23). To historians and believers alike, it was the Resurrection that brought what some might call “true faith” to the living souls of the earth. To the skeptics, which at one time included Peter, it was the resurrection that proved Jesus not only was a carpenter, teacher, and prophet, but He was the only begotten Son of the Father. It was by the resurrection power that abundant life generously was offered to those who will believe on Him as the Scripture says.
Spend time this week studying the promise of the Resurrection with free downloadable devotions for every member of the family. Sponsored by God’s Word for Life. (Links in the Resources section.)
Christ’s Crucifixion Was Not the End
Growing up, my father attended a traditional, ritualistic church, and I remember days in my childhood sitting on the church pew in the beautifully extravagant, stained-glass church. Of all the striking paintings and sculptures that could be found in that chapel, the one that seized my attention was the full-length crucifixion of Jesus sculpted onto the wall of the platform.
It was the resurrection of Christ that brought hope and life to all people.
To me it always felt as if that was where my father’s religion ceased: at the death of Jesus. There should be much attention given to that part of the story and the washing away of sins that Jesus’ death so graciously afforded, yet let us not forget the power of the next chapter—the Resurrection. For it was the Resurrection that showed God’s power and existence is independent and everlasting. Without this resurrection, our faith is worthless and we are of all men most miserable and to be pitied (I Corinthians 15:17–19). It was the resurrection of Christ that brought hope and life to all people.
The new life given by this glorious act of God Himself offers us hope that we cannot find in anything else or anyone else on this planet. Click To TweetThe new life given by this glorious act of God Himself offers us hope that we cannot find in anything else or anyone else on this planet. Colossians 1:27 reveals that through the Resurrection and through God allowing His Spirit to dwell in us, He would “make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” We can be confident in our hope that there is more to this life. What God is to us now as we experience His omnipotent presence could only have come through His resurrection power. No longer is abundant life a mystery; now it is a reality.
The abundance of life given by this hope brings a new vitality, or as some might call it, a superabundance of life. This is, in essence, a life that is actually worth living. I’m not necessarily speaking of prosperity or riches or a life without trial. However, this abundant life that is given by the resurrection of Jesus Christ offers those who believe a deeper, more meaningful walk—one that is fulfilling, rewarding, and comforting.
Key to Life of Abundance
The Resurrection was the key to living a life of abundance on this earth.
The Resurrection was the key to living a life of abundance on this earth. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:10–11). As the devil fights to fool, distract, and destroy Christian faith, the resurrection power of Jesus Christ counteracts by offering abundant life, led by the Shepherd.
Psalm 23 defines what life might look like when one is led by the wonderful shepherd we find our Savior to be. We shall not want. We shall be led beside the still waters. Our souls shall be restored. He will lead us in paths of righteousness. He will comfort in times of darkness. He will anoint us in the presence of our enemies. He will allow goodness and mercy to follow us as we dwell in the house of the Lord, not just now, but forever. This abundant life is a richer, fuller life. Life with Jesus is the certainty of a life lived at a higher level in obedience to God’s will and reflecting His glory. There is no better life for you or for me.
It would be wise for believers to recognize that living in the realm of abundant life through His resurrection should bring us to a realization that the abundance will come only by submission. Our life in Him will be the direct result of our choice to die to self. The excellency of His glory and power will truly be known to each of us only when we empty ourselves of ourselves.
It’s humbling to me to read Philippians 3, written by Paul, who, though he suffered great physical pain for the cause of Christ, still yearned, “that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings,” knowing that in a few previous verses he revealed the only way to truly know the Lord and this power was to die out to self.
May His resurrection power fill your life in extraordinary ways this Easter.
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things . . . that I may win Christ.” To win Christ is to believe on Him by the power of His resurrection and salvation. The result is a life of abundance in Him, a leading through dark days by the great shepherd, a rest in the chaos, a salvation in the loss, and the blessing of His spirit in every moment. There is no greater joy than walking with the King. May His resurrection power fill your life in extraordinary ways this Easter.
Questions for Further Reflection:
- Why do you feel it was so important that God used a resurrection experience to prove His power?
- Consider your life without the power of Christ. Can it be defined by I Corinthians 15:17–19? How so? In what ways would life truly be miserable?
- Why might a life of prosperity in worldly things not equate to a life of abundance in the essence of Scripture and godliness?
- What are some examples that help define John 10:10? In what ways does the devil continually kill, steal, and destroy? In what ways does the Lord continually offer life?
- How has Psalm 23 been true in your life? How has God been a provider, life sustainer, restorer, and guide?
(A version of this article was published in Pentecostal Life.)
Resources and Links
Spend time this week studying the promise of the Resurrection with free downloadable devotions for every member of the family. Sponsored by God’s Word for Life.