I believe in the resurrection from the dead
by Pastor Tim Klein
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[Jesus] cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out’ (John 11:43).
Read John 11:32–44
I am looking forward to resurrection when this ageing, painful, wearing-out body of mine will be fully restored by the Lord:
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).
Whenever a Christian congregation confesses the Apostles’ Creed, we confess that we believe in the resurrection of the dead. We believe that on the last day, our bodies will be raised from the dead, and we shall all be gathered in the presence of Jesus. This is a central and essential statement of our faith.
The Apostle Paul makes that clear when he says this:
If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith (1 Corinthians 15:13,14).
For some, even to consider resurrection is impossible. But for us who believe, it gives hope and even power to our lives. I consider that if the Lord was able to knit me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139) and give me life in the first place, then he can restore me from the grave.
This story of the raising of Lazarus from the tomb by Jesus is another account of the incredible power over life that the Lord has. It took only three words from Jesus, and Lazarus was resurrected. In just three days, Jesus overcame death and all the powers of darkness and was himself raised to life.
Can people die and be raised back to life again? Of course. Here’s an example. It’s called ‘cardio-version’. Tomorrow, I will lie down on an operating table, and my cardiologist will stop and start my heart. I have experienced this several times over recent years. As the anaesthetist injects the anaesthetic, I don’t count backwards. I simply say: ‘Lord, into your hands … zzzz.’ I am fairly matter-of-fact about it.
Likewise, I am convinced of our confession: ‘I believe in the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting!’ I will live and die in faith (by God’s grace), and on the last day, he will raise me to life with him forever.
Lord of death and life, strengthen such faith in me so I can be confident of this resurrection confession and place my life in your hands daily. Amen.
Tim has served as a pastor for more than 30 years in Australia and New Zealand. He plans to retire on 12 January in 2025. Husband to his wife Joy, father of three and grandfather of more than 10, Tim says he is living in hope. He enjoys gardening (especially his orchard of more than 60 trees, succulents and flowering plants), making music (he loves to sing), beekeeping and taking photos.
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