Even though we deserved the punishment due to our sin, as Scripture reveals, Jesus took our place and forgave our sins from the cross. He was buried in a tomb, and then the unexplainable happened—He rose from the dead!
On the third day after the crucifixion, Matthew 28:1-2 says, “At the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And then there was a great earthquake. For the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it.”
Then, in verse 5, the angel says, “”Do not be afraid. For I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.” Then the angel instructed them (v. 7) to tell the disciples that Jesus rose from the dead. They departed quickly, “with fear and great joy” (v. 8) to tell the amazing news, and they encountered the risen Christ!
There were probably many thoughts running through the minds of these ladies who were sent from the tomb to go tell the disciples the great news, as they were overcome with excitement and emotion. A question that has been asked through the centuries is “Who raised Jesus from the dead?” And the Bible gives us these answers.
Scripture shows that:
- God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. The apostle Paul said in Romans 6:4, “Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Also, our personal salvation hinges on confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead (see Rom. 10:9).
- God the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. Romans 8:11 says, “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit that lives in you.”
- God the Son raised Himself from the dead. In the John 10:17-18, Jesus told His disciples, “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I received this command from My Father.”
These were incredible and miraculous events that have shaped the course of history since. No other event or person in history has affected the world like Jesus and the events surrounding His birth, life, death and Resurrection.
The participation of the Trinity in the Resurrection of Jesus is truly miraculous and awe-inspiring. It reveals the unity of God, and how each person of the Trinity works together, being equal in divine perfection and attribute. They complemented one another’s roles in raising Jesus from the dead (Open Bible Core Beliefs). Please reflect on this truth and marvel in its mystery as together we celebrate our Lord and Savior. {eoa}
*Note: This article was originally published on April 12, 2017.
Jared Laskey is a contributing writer to Charisma‘s online magazine. He lives to see Jesus awaken this generation to the power of His Holy Spirit. Follow him on Twitter @jaredalaskey or visit firebornministries.org.
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