New Testament (40)

Matthew (5)

Mark (2)

Luke (5)

John (3)

Acts (10)

Romans (2)

1 Corinthians (4)

Philippians (2)

2 Timothy (1)

Hebrews (2)

1 Peter (2)

Revelation (2)

Resurrection is repeated forty times in the New Testament. God repeats Himself and makes important matters plain so as to be understood.

I have written four devotionals dedicated to resurrection over the past four years. This is the last and perhaps most important issue for our eternal salvation. Study it well and understand that if there is no resurrection then there is no afterlife.

Even if there were not, and I know there is, then the grace, mercy and love that exists now for us in this life would still be needed by all.

Our salvation began the day we accepted Jesus into our hearts and continues each and every day until His return. Now I know that many hope to see that day but why wait on it if you do not believe in the resurrection? Are we so desperate to escape pain and suffering in our present condition that all we are concerned about is a way out?

Where is our compassion for others if all we care about is to be escape? Does our belief in a rapture save us? I would like to think not. This life is more important than an escape clause.

Eternal salvation is the finale. Go to the end of the book and read the ending. Does that satisfy you or are you interested in reading all the tales to be told in the book?

We are sojourners and we don’t get to stop and rest just because we know how the story ends.

Revelation 2:10 English Standard Version (ESV) Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Believe even if you do not like hearing it.

Hebrews 10:8-10 English Standard Version

⁸ When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), ⁹ then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. ¹⁰ And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

We must believe that the requirements for obtaining a right standing before God has changed from obedience of the law to obedience of faith. The establishment of righteousness is no longer via the law but in faith of what Christ did on the Cross.

All sin must be punished. The consequence of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) Those sacrifices within the law were not pleasing to God but pointed to one perfect sacrifice that would put an end to sin as a barrier between man and God. Sin had to be removed. It had to be replaced with something that pleased God, and satisfied His call for justice.

Hebrews 11:6 English Standard Version (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

The standard for a right standing before God was changed from obedience to the law to faith in Christ. We must believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to remove sin as a barrier to right relationship with God.

Romans 6:3 English Standard Version (ESV) Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

Galatians 2:20 English Standard Version (ESV) I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This is only possible if done by faith.

Ephesians 2:8 English Standard Version (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,