In Touch 03-24-05

In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Thursday March 24, 2005

The Promise of the Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Suppose Jesus Christ had not risen from the dead. Our assurance about our life and our existence beyond death would be gone. God knew we would wonder about this, which is why He led the apostle Paul to answer the question, "What if Jesus had not been resurrected?"

Paul said that our faith would have no foundation without the resurrection. The time we spend reading Scripture and talking to people about spiritual matters would be wasted. Even worse, we would still be in our sins.

The power of the resurrection has affected every believer. Because Jesus Christ is risen, we have confidence that our God is alive. Jesus Christ came to reveal the Father, and His resurrection is proof of the reality of almighty God.

Of course, Jesus' work did not end with His resurrection. The Bible clearly says that He took His place at the right hand of God to act as our intercessor. Also, He is preparing a place for us in heaven.

That Jesus arose and lives to intercede for us is not something we believe simply because we have heard it many times. Instead, we have confidence because of our personal, life-transforming experience of Christ.

Every other religion bases forgiveness on good works, good conduct, and good behavior, but no one can maintain that kind of personal righteousness over time. Our own power would never suffice; Christians are free of sin and guilt because Christ rose from the dead. His resurrection validates everything He said. He conquered death so that we can be assured we will have victory over the grave as well.

Be sure to tell your teen about Teen Connection - the official teen outreach of In Touch Ministries. This cutting-edge web site is filled with practical content, including articles, interviews, a study guide, and devotionals, for teenagers of all spiritual maturity levels. The featured interview for March is best-selling band Caedmon's Call. Check out Teen Connection today!

http://www.teen-connection.net

Are you looking to take the next step in your spiritual walk? Enroll today in the Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living - a free, virtual one-on-one mentoring program with Dr. Charles Stanley. Register online today at www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com.