We Shall Rise

God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. —1 Corinthians 6:14

The bodily resurrection of Christ assures us of our own bodily resurrection. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will one day raise our mortal bodies. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we have a sure hope for the future. His resurrection is a pledge that God “will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body” (Phil. 3:21).

There’s a church cemetery in Newbury, Massachusetts, with a grave marker that reads: “Here lies in a state of perfect oblivion John Adams who died September 2, 1811, age 79. Death has decomposed him, and at the great resurrection Christ will recompose him.”

Death has decomposed him—what a tragedy! But at the great resurrection, Christ will recompose him. You and I have that same hope.

At many Easter services, the pastor often says, “Christ is risen!” And the congregation responds, “He is risen indeed!” However, author Phillips Brooks said, “Let [us] say not merely, ‘Christ is risen,’ but ‘I shall rise.’” That’s a promise of the resurrection!