The resurrection of Jesus would not have been possible without Him being crucified. Although we love to read about his sacrifice on the cross, we should not forget about the power of his resurrection, that is what created the Church, it is the Church’s foundation, and it is vital to our walk with God. Jesus has been raised, He is alive, which means that Christianity is not just another dead religion. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, where He is interceding for us. Throughout the Old Testament there were symbols of his resurrection which was to come. When Israel was delivered from Egypt, God wanted them to be his people, be in a relationship with him, and to reflect his sinless, just, righteous, gracious, and merciful nature. He instructed them to build the ark of the covenant. This ark was a symbol of their relationship as well as of the Messiah who was to come. The blood of the sacrifices used to be sprinkled on the mercy seat of the ark, and the tomb of Jesus, instead of the Jewish temple of that time, was a portrayal of the perfect, final sacrifice which was placed on the mercy seat. The Old Testament priests also partook of some of the flesh of the sacrifices, which was a symbol of the Communion to be instituted by Jesus. The resurrection was proof that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and the Messiah, it purchased our justification, and put the seal upon the work of redemption. His dwelling place is now within us through the same Spirit who raised him from the dead. He has been risen and so are we, into newness of life. We are seated with him in heavenly places, far above all rulers and authorities.
