HE WAS RAISED FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION

ROMANS 4:13–25

He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification

(Romans 4:25).

The first half of this verse repeats thoughts that we have become familiar with in Paul’s letter to the Romans. Our sins were judged when Jesus went to the cross and paid the penalty for them. Now, however, Paul brings up the Resurrection and links it to our justification. What does this mean? How does the resurrection of Jesus relate to our justification?

The Vindication of Jesus Christ

The resurrection of Christ occurred because it was impossible for death to hold Him. Jesus was sinless, and if God had allowed death to keep Him forever, this would have been an injustice against Him. Thus, Jesus was vindicated by the Resurrection. God demonstrated the innocence of Jesus Christ by raising Him from the dead.

His Vindication Is Our Vindication

Had Jesus died and not been raised from the dead, that would have indicated that His atonement was not acceptable to God. But the fact that God raised Him shows that God is satisfied. This is the verdict of the Judge of heaven and earth: The atonement has been made, and all who trust in the Atonement will participate in the benefits of the righteousness of Christ.

Thus, the Resurrection is the last step in God’s work of justifying us. By raising Jesus, God shows that He is satisfied with His work. Because God’s wrath has been satisfied, He can accept us as sinners and justify us. Had Jesus not been raised, we could not be justified.

But in so doing, God shows Jesus as the firstborn of those who will rise from the dead. We who are in Christ will participate in His resurrection. As God bestows eternal life on Jesus and vindicates Him in the Resurrection, so God gives us eternal life and will vindicate us in the resurrection to come.

CORAM DEO

Resurrection in a transformed body is proof that God is pleased with us. God promises this to all who put their trust in Jesus, whom He has already raised. In an earthbound culture which denies and despises life beyond the grave, it is difficult for Christians to entertain thoughts of the hope of heaven. Deliberately focus your thoughts on heaven today, allowing the certainty of your future resurrection to refresh your attitudes, perspectives, and faith.

For further study: 1 Corinthians 15:12–19; 1 Peter 1:1–12

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