The Life of the Resurrection and Complete Faith · Looking Back on the Journey
Study Topic: Jesus' Resurrection and My Resurrection · Resurrection, Power of Life · Faith
One who has received the gospel was not called merely to be saved alone and live a comfortable life. God has sent you into the midst of a dark world.
Through you, he desires the living water of the gospel to flow to parched souls, and he earnestly longs for a wandering soul to return into God's embrace.
Therefore, do not restrict your identity as a Christian too narrowly. Regularly attending a church building, living a morally good life, and faithfully keeping several religious duties cannot fully describe the true life of a Christian.
We are people entrusted with the gospel of life.
The Identity and Mission of Those Entrusted with the Gospel
We Have Been Called as a Royal Priesthood
In 1 Peter 2:9, Scripture clearly proclaims the noble status of one who is saved: you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession.
God's purpose in delivering you from the power of darkness and bringing you into his marvelous light is unmistakable: that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness.
Therefore, to receive salvation means that you have simultaneously been commissioned with a holy calling. You are not the dead end where the grace of the gospel halts; you are a channel of the gospel that lets life flow to yet another soul.
We Must Live as the Light of the World
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus declared: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Light reveals its true value in pitch-black darkness. The mission of a Christian cannot be accomplished merely by shining quietly inside a church where believers gather.
In your home, in your intense workplace, in encounters with neighbors, and in the midst of people who do not yet know God, the light of life must shine brightly.
Therefore, your prayer must go deeper:
"God, let me live as the light of the world in the place where I dwell.
Let the light of the gospel within me flow warmly to wandering souls."
Saving a Soul Is a Spiritual Battle
Sharing the gospel with a soul and turning their steps back to God is by no means an easy task. Saving human souls always involves an intense spiritual battle.
When seeking to share the gospel, unexpected obstacles arise, the other person's heart door may be firmly closed, or we ourselves may become engulfed in fear and discouragement.
Therefore, what we need at such times is not human zeal or eloquence, but only the power of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promised that when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power and will be his witnesses to the end of the earth.
A true witness of the gospel is not made by human determination or wisdom. Only when clothed with the power of the Holy Spirit poured from above does one truly become bold. Therefore, a life of proclaiming the gospel and a life of kneeling prayer can never be separated.
We Must Be Armed with the Gospel
If you truly desire to save a soul, the truth of the gospel must first be clearly established within you so that it does not waver.
What the substitutionary atonement of the cross is, what the victory of the resurrection is, what the grace of salvation and being born again is, and what living faith is must be properly known and engraved on your heart. And that truth must not remain mere head knowledge; it must be moving alive in your heartbeat and life.
Because God communicates this gospel to others through your lips and your whole life. When a thirsty soul approaches, you must always be awake and prepared so that you do not hesitate not knowing what to say, but can boldly and warmly offer the message of eternal life that this soul urgently needs.
The Gospel Fulfilled Through the Cross and Resurrection
The Cross and Resurrection Are One Gospel
In the previous lessons, we gazed deeply upon the unfathomable love and substitutionary grace of Calvary's cross. And there is a glorious event that can never be separated from that cross: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
If the core of the gospel could be summarized in a single sentence, it is Jesus Christ's substitutionary cross and victorious resurrection.
On the cross, Jesus fully paid the penalty for all our sins, and by breaking the tomb and rising again on the third day, he destroyed the power of sin and death forever. The cross and the resurrection are like two sides of one coin; we believe completely in both the cross and the resurrection together.
The Resurrection Is Not a Religious Holiday
Perhaps the word 'resurrection' has felt like an overly familiar religious expression to you. As Easter rolls around each year and resurrection is heard in the comfort of funeral services, resurrection can easily become hardened into a ritualistic event or an abstract concept.
Yet the resurrection is not such a taxidermied doctrine. It is an unmistakable historical event where Jesus Christ conquered death and rose again within real time and space in history.
And this great event is directly linked to your salvation and your eternal life today.
Without the Resurrection, Salvation Is Incomplete
If Jesus died on the cross for our sins but remained in the tomb, what would have happened? Succumbing to the power of death, he could not have given complete hope to humanity.
Yet Jesus Christ shattered the power of death and triumphantly rose again. That is why the resurrection is the declaration of complete victory toward the entire universe.
The Lord severed the bonds of sin, broke the terror of death, and opened wide the path of new, unfading life to all who look upon Christ in faith.
Jesus Became the Firstfruits of the Resurrection
In 1 Corinthians 15:20, the apostle Paul testifies: "Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."
The expression 'firstfruits' holds a very profound spiritual meaning. It declares that Jesus' resurrection does not end as a miracle for the Lord alone. Just as a farmer harvesting the firstfruits is assured of the abundant harvest to follow, because Jesus became the firstfruits of the resurrection, the same glory of resurrection is promised to you who believe in him.
Therefore, in conviction you can boldly confess:
"My Lord conquered death and rose again.
Therefore, I who am in the Lord will also be raised gloriously."
Resurrection Life and Eternal Hope
The Resurrection Is Connected to Our Being Born Again
Jesus' resurrection is not an event that will take place only in the distant future eschaton. The life of the resurrection is powerfully at work in your soul at this very moment.
In 1 Peter 1:3, Scripture praises that according to his great mercy, God has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Originally, we were spiritually dead due to sin and transgressions. Yet as the eternal life of the risen Jesus Christ entered into us, we were newly born and born again.
The resurrection does not remain a past historical miracle; it is the actual power of salvation that raises new life within you today and enables you to live out eternity.
Therefore, We View Death Differently
To a person who truly believes in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, physical death is by no means the futile end of all things.
Of course, our physical bodies will one day breathe their last. Yet that is not the annihilation of our being. To you who are in Christ, eternal life has already been given, and there is the sure promise of awaiting the glorious, complete resurrection that God will bring to pass.
Therefore, a Christian's hope does not stop at the vague consolation of "dying and going to heaven." It is the hope of the resurrection—casting off physical limitations and corruption to rise again completely with an imperishable body and dwell forever with the Lord.
When the Lord Comes Again, We Too Will Be Raised
Scripture clearly promises the Lord's glorious return and the resurrection of the saints.
As 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 states, when the Lord descends from heaven, the dead in Christ will rise first, and we who are alive will be caught up together with them in glory to meet the Lord, and so we will always be with the Lord.
An imperishable eternal life without decay, tears, death, or pain, enjoying the complete joy of the kingdom of God together with the Lord—this is the radiant future prepared for you who hold the gospel of the cross and resurrection.
Our Hope Is Greater Than Life on This Earth
The ultimate hope a Christian cherishes does not lie in living a little more comfortably than others on this earth. Amassing wealth or enjoying illness-free longevity cannot be the final goal of faith.
All of those may be aspects of God's good grace, but we possess an incomparably greater and eternal hope: glorious resurrection, eternal life, and the unshakeable kingdom of God.
A person in whose heart this hope of the resurrection is deeply rooted is not shaken by worldly conditions, and lives out today with a completely different dimension of freedom and joy.
The Hope of the Resurrection Overcomes Suffering
Where was the reason that the saints of the early church never compromised the gospel even amidst extreme tribulation and persecution? Why could they maintain their integrity of faith to the end even when thrown into cold prisons, facing lion dens, and standing before burning stakes? It was because the hope of the resurrection was alive within them.
They knew clearly that physical death was never the end. Just as Jesus broke the power of death and was raised, they firmly believed that they who follow the Lord would also be raised in glory.
The world could strip them of their possessions, health, and mortal lives, but it could never snatch away the eternal hope of the resurrection given by God.
How Clear Is Our Faith in the Resurrection?
Now quietly ask your own heart:
"Do I truly believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ?"
Beyond intellectually assenting to a catechism, is there a real faith within you that guides your choices and breath today?
"The Lord will come again. I will live forever with the Lord and participate in the glory of the resurrection."
Does this living hope make your heart race? When the truth of the resurrection fades, longing for the eternal kingdom of heaven also blurs, and faith soon becomes trapped in present-world problems and blessing-seeking anxieties.
When the Cross and Resurrection Are Faint, Faith Loses Its Power
If the substitution of the cross is faint, the wonder of the resurrection dull, and the gaze upon God's eternal kingdom clouded, how can one live a powerful life of faith? When the core pillars of the gospel shake, faith as a whole cannot help but become powerless.
Therefore, when life feels spiritually dry and depleted, do not stop at self-reproach like "It's because I lack devotion."
You must honestly look back and ask: "What do I truly believe right now?" First examine how firmly the foundational truths of the gospel are laid as the cornerstone of your heart.
Receiving the Word by Faith
And That Truth Must Be Received by 'Faith'
Here the most decisive principle of faith is revealed: no matter how clearly God's truth is proclaimed, for that Word to actually operate in your person and life, something is indispensable:
It is 'faith'.
Hearing of the sacrifice of the cross, hearing of the miracle of the resurrection, and encountering the promises of heaven and eternal life countlessly—if not received with sincere faith, it amounts to nothing more than concepts or knowledge stored in the head. Faith is the only channel through which God's boundless grace and covenant enter into the depths of my soul.
The Word Must Be Combined with Faith
In Hebrews 4:2, Scripture warns of those who heard the message of the gospel and yet did not benefit from it, because the message they heard was not combined with faith in those who listened.
Even when hearing the same word of life, reactions vary drastically. Some pass by without emotion, while others hold fast to that Word as their lifeline.
Only when the living Word of God meets your personal faith is power manifested. At that moment, the Word breaks free from printed letters and becomes a life force that fundamentally transforms your life.
In Faith There Is a Decision to Open the Heart
Some think that they can believe only when every question is completely solved and 100% intellectually comprehended. Yet true biblical faith begins with a holy decision to open the door of the heart humbly toward God:
"God, though this is a mystery beyond my intellect to fathom, I want to believe your Word.
I open the door of my heart and humbly receive your gospel."
This is turning the gaze of the soul toward God. Even if 90% doubt and anxiety remain in your heart and the desire to believe is only 10%, offer that precious 10% to the Lord.
Hold to the Small Desire to Believe
Within our frail hearts, various emotions and conflicts can intersect. A longing to believe in the Lord with all our heart and lingering hesitation of unbelief may war within the same space.
At that moment, if you fix your gaze only on doubts and negative thoughts, faith will never grow. Though small and faint like a mustard seed, lift up to God the sincere desire: "Lord, still I want to believe and trust in you." The Lord will never turn away from that small gesture of faith.
When I Open My Heart, God Adds Faith
In the lesson, the process of faith growing is guided in a two-stage flow of grace:
The first is the decision to open one's whole heart receptively toward the Word of God. And as you step forward holding the Word with that open heart, the Holy Spirit God pours out the gift of supernatural assurance and deep faith.
Starting with a small decision, "Lord, I will try to believe," at a certain moment, through the work of the Holy Spirit, it is elevated to the thrilling confession: "Now I believe with all my heart!"
Believing the love of the cross, believing the victory of the resurrection, and vividly believing in the eternal kingdom of heaven and Jesus Christ as my Savior—this miracle takes place within your soul.
Knowing the Principles of Faith Enables Us to Help a Soul
A witness of the gospel must not stop at one-sidedly delivering truth content. One must be able to carefully observe and encourage what attitude of heart the soul sitting before them has in receiving the gospel.
Are they intellectually understanding the Word, yet hesitant to make a decision of faith? Are they lingering, gripped by skepticism and fear?
Then lead them with warm exhortation to take the first step of faith:
"Is there even a small desire within you to believe in the Lord?
Bring that small wish and step honestly before God.
Open the door of your heart to welcome Jesus as your Lord."
Through that very small opening, God begins the great work of saving a soul.
Living with a Faith That Is Alive
Fake Faith Also Exists
Do not simply feel secure just because you have lived a religious life for a long time. The lesson solemnly warns against the danger of formal faith that has only an outward appearance.
Spiritual life may be lacking while being merely familiar with Christian knowledge and culture. One may be accustomed to the terms of the cross and resurrection after frequenting church, yet those truths may never have operated as personal faith that shatters sin and changes the master of life.
If so, one must awaken deeply: knowing in the head and faith that stakes one's life are completely different.
In Living Faith, Works Appear
True faith does not remain an empty confession proclaimed only by the lips. Living faith fundamentally transforms a person's values, entire being, and life trajectory.
If one truly believes in Jesus' resurrection, their perspective on death and suffering changes completely. If one is assured of the eternal kingdom of heaven, they do not cling desperately to the perishable successes of this world. If one knows the agony and blood-shedding of the cross, they can never treat sin lightly; and if one has welcomed Jesus as true Lord, they yield all governance of life to the Lord.
Within living faith, the holy heartbeat and fruit of life inevitably appear.
Dead Faith Must Be Awakened Again
Even someone who once confessed faith passionately may find the spark of faith dying down when their heart is stolen by worldly temptations and busyness.
When prayer dries up, yearning for the Word recedes, and one lives chasing the desires of the flesh, the vitality of faith becomes faint beyond recognition.
At that moment, do not remain complacently saying, "I received grace in the past, so I'll be fine." Awaken your soul at this very moment. Kneel and repent before the Lord, cling to the pure Word once again, and earnestly seek the renewing fire of the Holy Spirit.
Faith Must Be Kept to the End
Facing martyrdom at the end of his life, the apostle Paul magnificently confessed in 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Paul's confession that "I have kept the faith" resonates deeply with us. Faith is not a passive state that automatically preserves itself once confessed.
The world continually seeks to shake and steal your faith, and the sinful nature seeks to turn from God and pursue self. At times unexpected tribulations and doubts surge. Therefore, guarding faith to the end through the Word and prayer in daily life is a glorious good spiritual fight.
Activate Faith More
Faith is not a souvenir to be kept in a drawer. It must become firmer and more solid daily by holding to the Word, proclaiming truth with the lips, praying in faith, and taking steps of obedience.
Do not settle for yesterday's faith; ask the Lord to stand as a person of clearer, richer faith today and tomorrow:
"Lord, add living faith to me.
Enable me to trust and obey your promises completely,
and let me stand upon the rock of faith that is unshaken in any violent storm."
Living Resurrection Life and Proclaiming the Gospel
A Person Who Believes in the Resurrection Lives Today Differently
If you truly believe in Jesus' resurrection, the standards and purpose of life become entirely new. The ultimate value we should cherish is by no means temporary worldly success or recognition.
An imperishable eternal kingdom of God is prepared for you, and the radiant life of the resurrection has already been planted. Therefore, there is no reason to be discouraged like someone who has lost everything over momentary hardships and deficiencies on this earth.
My Lord rose again, and I who am in the Lord will also rise in eternal glory. This holy assurance raises you up steadfastly once again when fallen today.
And We Must Proclaim the Gospel of the Resurrection to Others
How could we keep silent, holding such thrilling hope of the resurrection only to ourselves?
Approach neighbors who believe death is the futile end of life and tell them: "Death is never the end."
Take the hand of someone groaning in the pit of despair and declare: "Jesus Christ has conquered the power of death."
Open the way of life to a soul bound by guilt and spiritual dread: "In Jesus' cross and resurrection, new life is prepared for you."
This is the most blessed news that saves the entire world: the gospel.
Proclaim the Gospel in Faith for a Soul
Of course, transforming a person's heart and saving them is God's domain alone. Yet the almighty God has entrusted this precious office of gospel messenger to frail you.
When we sow the seed of the gospel in obedience, wholly relying on the Holy Spirit, God himself touches that person's spirit and brings life to sprout.
Therefore, pray daily like this:
"God, while I have breath on this earth, use me to save even a single soul.
Let the gospel of life flow through my small lips and life,
and when sharing the gospel, let me proclaim it not with human words, but with the power and faith of the Holy Spirit."
Do Not Make Our Faith Too Small
Do not confine the horizon of faith within the narrow fences of solving personal problems, seeking psychological comfort, or prospering one's own family alone.
God has granted you a grand, glorious identity and calling that the world cannot measure: you are a royal priesthood, a light shining upon the world, an ambassador of the gospel carrying the heart of Christ.
As one possessing the radiant life of the resurrection, live boldly looking toward the eternal kingdom of God.
We Must Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
Yet this great calling can never be carried out by our human determination or temper. That is why at every moment we must humbly seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit:
"Holy Spirit God, come upon my spirit so that the power of the gospel moves alive in my life.
Set my cold heart ablaze with the Lord's love, and let the Word transcend head knowledge to become power and life.
Awaken my soul daily with the power of the resurrection, and grant me steadfast, complete faith."
When the Holy Spirit works within your core, the gospel will breathe alive through you and transform the world.
Delivered to a Beloved Soul
To you whom we love, we wish to ask: How do you view the eternal world after mortal life ends? Do you think of death as the futile end of all things?
Jesus Christ took upon himself all your sins and breathed his last on the cross, but broke the power of death and rose again on the third day.
His resurrection is not an event for Jesus alone. The door of eternal new life has been flung wide open to all who believe in the Lord. Your soul, once spiritually dead in sin, can be born again, possess eternal life beyond death, and put on a glorious resurrection body on the day the Lord returns.
Therefore, do not let this gospel drift by as a mere religious lesson. This is the most solemn, blessed news upon which your eternal life and destiny depend.
Believe in the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Do not delay your step of faith until every doubt is completely solved. If there is a small spark of desire deep in your heart that says, "I want to believe," come before God just as you are:
"God, I will believe in you.
I believe that Jesus Christ shed atoning blood on the cross for me and rose again in glory.
Now I receive Jesus as the only Savior and eternal Lord of my life.
Help my weak faith and fill me abundantly with your life."
Receive the gospel with sincere faith, and yield your life completely into the Lord's good hands.
Live by the Life of the Resurrection, Keep the Faith, and Proclaim the Gospel
If you have already confessed Jesus Christ as Savior, awake from spiritual slumber and recover the wonder of the resurrection. Do not lock the resurrection in a taxidermied doctrine.
Our Lord broke the power of death and rose again! And that eternal life of the resurrection breathes inside your spirit today. You have received eternal life, will ultimately be raised, and are a precious child who will inherit the eternal kingdom of God.
Therefore, keep the faith to the end. Fight the good spiritual fight and be filled with the Holy Spirit:
As a royal priesthood,
as light illuminating the world,
as a witness bearing the life of the resurrection,
and as a channel of the gospel transmitting life in faith, live boldly!
Let this glorious gospel that saved me not stop with me, but flow vigorously into homes, workplaces, neighbors, and thirsty souls.
The Lord has risen! Therefore we have eternal life.
Holding firmly to that life in wholehearted faith, finishing the race of faith to the end, and letting the gospel of life flow to a soul—
this is the most glorious and blessed path that you, who have been entrusted with the gospel of the resurrection, are called to walk.