If Jesus had not planned to rise again from the grave, how might that have impacted the promises He would make, and the saints' hopes and future joy?
Had Christ not risen from the grave, we believers could never be with Jesus. Scripture would not have promised us we will be with Jesus. Indeed, Jesus would never be with us again, on this earth, or in Heaven someday.
But being with Jesus has always been the great desire of the saints. As far back as Job, in his sorrows and pain, his solid assurance was that his Redeemer lives, and will stand on this earth at the latter day!
Not only so, but we are promised that Jesus will be alive in glory, in Heaven, in the New Jerusalem!
If Christ had not intended to rise again, He would never have promised He is preparing a place for us in Heaven. But better far, Jesus promised He would come again to receive all His loved ones, that we will be with Him wherever He is!
The great promise of Jesus is not just a place in Heaven, but rather, being with Him!
Paul himself, in several places, asserts that it is his greatest joy and hope, to be present with the Lord! To Paul, the prospect of being with Jesus makes death itself an enticing event, for to be absent from this body is to be, instantly, present with the Lord.
Jesus could never have promised we will be with Him unless He intended to rise again from the grave.
Being with Jesus is not our desire alone. Jesus Himself desires we should be with Him. He prayed to His Father that we might be with Him where He is!
Thus, the resurrection of Christ is not only necessary for our joy and happiness, but for His as well!
Jesus' resurrection fulfills all His joy and ours! |
