Resurrection

“He is not here, he is risen!” 

So the angels proclaim in Matthew 28.6, and so Christians believe about Jesus.

As St. Paul famously wrote, if Jesus is still dead, “we of all people are most to be pitied…But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.” (1 Corinthians 15.19-20). Jesus’ resurrection is the vindication of his life and death, showing himself to be God’s chosen, and providing a way for us to be raised to new life, both in daily life and after our own physical death.

Christians believe that following his resurrection, Jesus appeared to many people (1 Corinthians 15.3-8), and after some time ascended into heaven (Luke 24.50-3). This allows Jesus to intercede for Christians before his Father (Hebrews 6.17-20), in the time between now and his future return when he will bring judgement and restoration (see for example 1 Thessalonians 4.13-8).

Christians believe that the risen Jesus meets us today by his Spirit – it is through his life, stronger than death, we come alive.

Further resources

Books
Frank Morrison, Who Moved the Stone?
Rowan Williams, God with us
Tom Wright, Surprised by Hope