Topical Bible: The Resurrection of Christ was Necessary to Justification

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Topical Encyclopedia

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian theology, particularly in the doctrine of justification. Justification, in Christian terms, refers to the act of God declaring a sinner to be righteous on account of the righteousness of Christ. The resurrection is not merely an event of historical significance but is intrinsically linked to the believer's justification.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, explicitly connects the resurrection of Christ with our justification. Romans 4:25 states, "He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification." This verse underscores the dual aspects of Christ's work: His death atones for sin, and His resurrection ensures the believer's justification.

Theological Significance

1. Validation of Christ's Sacrifice: The resurrection serves as divine validation of Christ's atoning work on the cross. Without the resurrection, the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice would remain in question. As Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15:17 , "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." The resurrection confirms that Christ's sacrifice was accepted by God, thus securing the believer's justification.

2. Christ's Victory Over Death: The resurrection demonstrates Christ's victory over death, which is the penalty for sin. Romans 6:9 declares, "For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him." This victory is essential for justification, as it signifies the defeat of sin's ultimate consequence, allowing believers to be declared righteous.

3. Christ as the Firstfruits: In 1 Corinthians 15:20 , Paul refers to Christ as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." This imagery indicates that Christ's resurrection is the first of many, guaranteeing the future resurrection and justification of all who are united with Him. The resurrection is thus a pledge of the believer's own justification and future resurrection.

4. Intercession and Advocacy: The risen Christ ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He intercedes for believers. Romans 8:34 states, "Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us." His ongoing intercession is a vital aspect of the believer's justification, as it ensures that the righteousness of Christ is continually applied to the believer.

Historical and Doctrinal Context

The necessity of the resurrection for justification has been affirmed throughout church history. The early creeds, such as the Nicene Creed, emphasize the resurrection as a fundamental tenet of the faith. The Reformers, particularly Martin Luther and John Calvin, highlighted the resurrection's role in justification, arguing that it is through the risen Christ that believers are assured of their righteousness before God.

Practical Implications

For the believer, the resurrection is not only a past event but a present reality that impacts daily life. It assures believers of their standing before God, providing a foundation for faith and hope. The resurrection empowers believers to live in the newness of life, as described in Romans 6:4 : "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life."

In summary, the resurrection of Christ is indispensable to the doctrine of justification. It validates the atoning work of Christ, assures believers of their righteous standing before God, and provides the hope of eternal life. Through the resurrection, believers are not only justified but are also empowered to live transformed lives in anticipation of their own resurrection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 4:25
Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 8:34
Who is he that comdemns? It is Christ that died, yes rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether it was Necessary for Christ to Rise Again?
... 1],3). Consequently, it was not necessary for Christ ... Reply to Objection 3: Christ's
Passion wrought our salvation ... by removing evils; but the Resurrection did so ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was necessary for 3.htm

Whether the Resurrection of Christ is the Cause of Our ...
... will which is nearest to the effect; hence it is not necessary that our ... should follow
straightway after He has wrought the resurrection of Christ, but that ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the resurrection of christ.htm

The Necessity of Faith for Justification
... a certain truth open to our knowledge, viz.: the resurrection of Christ,"a dogma ...
impose upon us by positive precept whatever is objectively necessary as a ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 1 the necessity of 2.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... alienated from his righteousness, it is necessary to descend to this lower remedy,
that Christ may justify ... by the power of his death and resurrection. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

The Resurrection of Christ.
... the most mysterious in the life of Christ, and transcends ... all events the fact of
the resurrection furnishes the ... of the disciples; it is the necessary link in ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 19 the resurrection of.htm

The Power of Christ's Resurrection
... That it highly concerns us to know and experience the power of his resurrection.
First, Christ is indeed risen. ... 2. Secondly, It was necessary on our account. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the power of christs resurrection.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... doctrine, life, actions, miracles, death, resurrection, ascension, and ... with all the
purposes of Christ's coming into ... And it is no less necessary that it should ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

Dr. Philip Schaff on the Resurrection.
... the most mysterious in the life of Christ, and transcends ... all events the fact of
the resurrection furnishes the ... of the disciples; it is the necessary link in ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/dr philip schaff on the.htm

Justification.
... Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the ... represent the work and death of
Christ as the ... I have just examined, contradicts the necessary convictions of ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvi justification.htm

Justification by Faith
... But for the rest of Englishmen all the necessary articles of belief ... shown forth in
the life, and death, and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ; no: but ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon vi justification by faith.htm