What is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Scripture emphasizes the resurrection as the heart of the gospel. Jesus’ resurrection revealed Him as the Son of God in power (Romans 1:4) and forms the foundation for our justification (Romans 4:25). Paul argued that if Christ had not been raised, preaching and faith would be empty, and sins would remain unforgiven (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17). The risen Jesus appeared to many witnesses, giving the message a historical basis (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). The apostles proclaimed that God raised Jesus, making Him Lord and Messiah, and called everyone to turn to Him (Acts 2:24-36).

The resurrection brings present transformation and future hope. Believers are united with Christ to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4-5) and to set their hearts on things above with the risen Christ (Colossians 3:1-4). Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the resurrection of those who belong to Him (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) and offers comfort for those who grieve (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). By rising, Jesus defeated death and freed us from lifelong fear (Hebrews 2:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:10). The living Christ intercedes for His people (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25) and with His authority, sends them to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 17:31).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament points to the resurrection of the Messiah as part of God’s plan to save mankind. For example, David said, “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” (Psalm 16:10). David’s anticipation of life after death was later applied directly to Christ’s resurrection. The resurrection of the “holy one” (Jesus) would be the start of eternal life.
• Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant also alludes to life after death. It states that, although the Servant would be killed to take on the sins of many, he would also “prolong his days,” seeing the fruit of his sacrifice (Isaiah 53:10-11).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament shows the resurrection as God’s clear confirmation of Jesus’ identity and purpose. Paul wrote that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). Through the resurrection, the Father was publicly declaring who Jesus is. Speaking of the resurrected Jesus, Peter preached, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). Being alive, then, mainly served as a testimony that Jesus is the Son of God.
• The resurrection is also the foundation for being in right standing before God. Paul wrote, “[God’s righteousness] will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Romans 4:24-25). Belief in Jesus’ resurrection is the key to salvation (cf., Romans 10:9). The cross paid the debt, while the resurrection confirms that the payment was accepted. That is why Paul said, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). Jesus’ resurrection is essential for salvation.
• Additionally, the resurrection illustrates a believer’s new life. Paul taught, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Being saved means no longer being spiritually dead, but being made alive. He continued, “If we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5). This union means that believers can resist sin, having been made alive.
• The resurrection also guarantees our future in a new body. Jesus was “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,” meaning Jesus resurrected first, but that believers will be resurrected “at his coming those who belong to Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). His resurrection signals that death has been conquered (1 Corinthians 15:26) so that believers can look forward to also being resurrected when Jesus returns.
• Finally, the importance of the resurrection is that Jesus is alive right now, actively serving His people. Paul wrote, “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). Similarly, the author of Hebrews adds, “he always lives to make intercession for [believers]” (Hebrews 7:25). Intercession means that Jesus is actively praying for believers, helping them to persevere in this life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Because Jesus rose, sin is forgiven, and death is defeated. His resurrection proves that God accepted His sacrifice on the cross, so those who believe are justified and reconciled. It establishes Him as Lord, exalted in glory and worthy of worship. It guarantees that those united to Him will also rise, sharing in His victory over the grave. The resurrection also confirms that history is moving toward a final renewal, when Christ returns to judge and to make all things new.

The resurrection is the core of Christian hope. It confirms that your faith is real, that God’s promises are reliable, and that life with Him is secure. The risen Jesus intercedes for His followers even now, strengthening them to endure suffering and providing assurance that death does not have the final say. To belong to Him means sharing in His life both now and in the future.

If you have not trusted Christ, come to Him today. Turn away from sin’s empty promises and trust in His death and resurrection for mercy and new life. If you already belong to Him, take courage: the risen Lord reigns over all creation, walks with you through His Spirit, and will raise you on the last day. His resurrection means your story is held in hands that will never fail, and your hope rests in a victory that can never be lost.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus’ resurrection proves He is God’s Son and validates His sacrifice.
• Jesus’ resurrection secures forgiveness, new life, and the future resurrection for believers.
• Jesus’ resurrection proves He defeated sin and death and gives hope for eternity to all who trust in Him.

REFLECT

• How does knowing Jesus rose from the dead affect your faith and confidence in God’s promises?
• How does the resurrection give you hope when you face fear, loss, or uncertainty?
• How does your life reflect the newness and freedom that Jesus’ resurrection offers?

ENGAGE

• How does Jesus’ resurrection change the way we understand God’s power over sin and death?
• What does it mean for us personally and collectively that Christ rose from the dead?
• How should the hope of resurrection shape the way we live, serve, and share the gospel with others?