Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.
A fifth triumph of His resurrection: God-given power for living!
Before Christ’s resurrection human beings had no power over sin: “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh…” (Rom. 8:3) This is why Israel failed so miserably in spite of the Ten Commandments and the Temple sacrifices, and Gentiles, with even less revelation of God, had even less reason, let alone strength to discipline their sinful impulses. However, now that Jesus is alive, we have access to the same power displayed in his rising Him from the dead. We “… may know him, and the power of his resurrection…” (Phil. 3:10)
Christ's resurrection has become both the source of forgiveness and eternal life, and also the power for overcoming life’s temptations and troubles by faith dependence upon Christ. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5) To remain and maintain a constant and consistent relationship with Christ, allows us to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit in us. Romans 6:4-5 explains and exhorts us "as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life; for if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."
We can then firmly declare, as did Paul, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13)
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