Christians believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead, defeating sin and death. This event is the cornerstone of our faith and has profound implications for our daily lives.
Living the resurrected life means living a life that is transformed by the power of Christ’s resurrection.
As a Christian, living the resurrected life is fundamental to our faith. It is the core of what we believe and strive for as believers in Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus is the event that gives us hope and purpose, and it is what empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Living the resurrected life means that we live in a way that reflects the new life that Christ has given us. It means that we live with the knowledge that we have been given a new identity in Christ and that our old way of life has passed away. It means that we live with the assurance that we have been made alive in Christ and given the power to live a pleasing life to God.
So, how can we, as Christians, live the resurrected life?
First, look at what it means to live the resurrected life. The Apostle Paul wrote extensively in his letters to the early Christian communities. In his letter to the Romans, he says, “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4, NRSV).
Living the resurrected life means that we have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection, and we are called to walk in a new way of life characterized by holiness, love, and righteousness.
So, how can we live the resurrected life? The first step is to believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as our Lord and Saviour. This belief is not just an intellectual assent but a deep and personal relationship with Christ. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, NRSV).
Living the resurrected life means we die to ourselves and allow Christ to live in us, guiding and directing our lives.
Once we have accepted Christ, we are called to live a life of obedience to him. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul says, “As you, therefore, have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7, NRSV).
Living the resurrected life means we continue to follow Christ and grow in our faith, staying rooted in him and constantly giving thanks for all he has done for us.
Let’s look at some relevant Bible verses to guide this journey.
1. Colossians 3:1-4 – “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
As believers, we have been raised with Christ, and our focus should be on things above, not on the things of this world. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God, and when He returns, we will appear with Him in glory. Therefore, this verse reminds us to set our hearts and minds on eternal things and to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ.
2. 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 live a new life.”
This verse reminds us that we have been buried with Christ and raised to new life through baptism. We have been given a new identity and are called to live in a way that reflects this new life. We are no longer slaves to sin but can live a pleasing life to God.
3. Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
We have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in us. We are called to live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. This verse reminds us that we are no longer living for ourselves but for Christ, and our lives should reflect this truth.
4. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
We are a new creation when we are in Christ. The old has passed away, and the new has come. This verse reminds us that we are no longer who we used to be but have been given a new identity in Christ. We are called to live in a way that reflects this new identity, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to do so.
Living the resurrected life is not always easy, but it is the life that we have been called to live as believers in Jesus Christ.
Finally, living the resurrected life means we have hope for the future. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul says, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:19-20, NRSV).
Living the resurrected life means that we have a confident hope in the resurrection, knowing that death has been defeated and that we will one day be raised to new life in Christ.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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