Why the Resurrection Matters: Identity, Victory, and Eternal Security

 

Welcome back to my blog! Over the past few weeks, we have been tracing the marvelous timeline of our salvation—a divine story planned before time began that will culminate in Christ’s glorious return.

 

So far, we have examined how God chose us, convicted us through the Holy Spirit, drew us to Himself, and accomplished our complete redemption at the cross. Today, we take the next essential step in this journey: Christ’s glorious resurrection.

 

Why is the empty tomb so vital to our daily walk and eternal hope? Let us look to Scripture to see what the resurrection means for Christ—and what it means for us.

Why the Resurrection Changes Everything 

The resurrection stands at the absolute center of God’s promises and our Christian identity.

 

1. Regarding Jesus Christ

If Christ did not rise from the dead, He could not be God; His promises would be void, and He would possess no divine power. Without the resurrection, He could not have ascended to heaven, established the Church, interceded for us today, or promised to return and reign in eternity. The resurrection proves that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be.

2. Regarding the Believer

The resurrection is the core of our spiritual transformation. In the New Testament epistles, this transformation is frequently described as spiritual baptism. When we become a Christian, we are identified (baptized, Greek, baptizo) with Christ’s gracious death and resurrection.

The moment you placed your trust in Christ, your old, sinful self died and was buried with Him. You were instantly raised to new life and spiritually seated with Him at the right hand of God the Father (Romans 6:2–12; Ephesians 2:4–7; Colossians 2:12–13).

Similar concepts in the epistles that are based on the resurrection are: 

• Regeneration (Titus 3:5)
• Being Born Again (John 3:5)
• Putting on the New Man (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10)
• Christ in You, the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27)
• The Anointing of the Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27)
• The seed (1 John 3:9) 

6 Powerful Blessings Provided by the Resurrection 
 
Because you share in Christ's resurrection life, God has equipped you with everything necessary for spiritual victory:

• Power Over Sin: While every believer still struggles at times, you are no longer a slave to sin. As a new creation indwelt by the Holy Spirit, you possess the divine power to say "no" to temptation and live a victorious life.
• True Holiness: Through spiritual regeneration, God views you as holy, blameless, and clean in His sight (Hebrews 10:19–22). Without this new life, we would remain spiritually dead in our inherited fallen nature (1 Corinthians 15:17–19; Ephesians 2:3).
• Boldness in Prayer: Because you are a holy person in Christ, you can approach God's throne in prayer with complete confidence and without hindrance (Hebrews 10:20–23).
• Eternal Life: Just as Christ was raised, you have been raised to new, everlasting life that physical death cannot destroy.
• Eternal Security: Regeneration proves that your salvation is permanent. Scripture does not indicate that your new self can die and your old, dead self be re-resurrected—your transformation in Christ is absolute and irreversible!
• Freedom to Serve: Before salvation, we were spiritually dead and incapable of doing truly good works (Romans 3:10–12). Now, as a resurrected creation filled with the Holy Spirit, you are fully equipped to serve God according to His will (Romans 6:11–16).

Rest in Your New Identity

My friends, what incredible comfort we find in the truth of God’s Word! You are permanently transformed, identified with Christ, and securely seated with Him in heavenly places. You are liberated from the penalty of Adam’s fall and free to walk in the joy of His service.

What a magnificent salvation our God planned in eternity past and lovingly executed for His good pleasure (Ephesians 1:4–8).

Please join me next week as we continue exploring the incredible result of Christ's work in our lives.
 

William C. Stewart, MD 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

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Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

 

Christian Life Part 4: Borders for the Christian Life

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring Biblical concepts in the Christian life. We spoke initially about the three sanctifications (being set apart for holiness) which delineate our Christian experiences:

·       Salvation - Our legal sanctification by the blood of Christ in faith (Romans 3:21-26)

·       The Christian life - We seek to become sanctified in our actions and thoughts as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16)

·       Heaven - Christ takes us to our eternal home when our bodies will be sanctified (1 Corinthians 15:50 ff)

Importantly, when one sanctification is complete and we progress to the next, we cannot return to the prior sanctified state. This helps us know that we have eternal security and confidence in our relationship with God; please review the last blog about this important lesson.

We then discussed scripturally based goals for Christian living and the tools God provides by which we can accomplish them.

·       Be holy as God is holy - We should strive to develop godly characteristics in our life (1 Peter 1:16)

·       Live a life of faith – God is pleased by our faith, not guilt and legalism (Romans 14:23; Colossians 2:6)

·       Serve God with your entire life  – In accomplishing this goal we have great freedom to live by faith within the broad bounds of the New Testament epistles’ commands (Romans 12:1-2)

Most recently we discussed the tools that God gives us to accomplish these goals which are the Bible and His power as manifested through His Holy Spirit.

Borders for the Christian life

Although we have great freedom to pursue God in faith, He does place wise borders on our lives to keep us on the scriptural playing field so we do not run out of balance and take ourselves out of the action.

·       Admonishments for the Christian life – These exist to fulfill two general purposes from a holy God:

• Maintain an orderly society – These are reflected in commands such as “do not murder” or “do not steal” and are often repeated from the Old Testament. God’s order commands are interspersed throughout the epistles. In general, His commands are few and protective to us and society, leaving us a broad path in life in which He wants us to live by faith to serve Him.

• Note: Old Testament and gospel commands – These commands reflect God’s holiness. Nonetheless, they are dictates for another time when God administered His people differently. We obey commands within the epistles because these are for the church time in which we now live.

• Live a wise and godly life – Like the commands related to orderliness, these injunctions also are interspersed throughout the epistles and provide wisdom about how to lead the Christian life. Interestingly, research in the medical literature has shown that when such admonishments are obeyed they increase wellbeing, such as producing hope, forgiveness, thankfulness, and joy (https://teleiosresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/CV-Teleios-Wellbeing-Review-JRH.pdf). Further, Teleios’ research has shown that Christians who study the Bible and practice what it says its precepts on average have better wellbeing than those who do not. God made us and He knows our psychological profile and what is healthy for us.

• Use your freedom wisely - Although God grants us wide freedom in our Christian walk, the Apostle Paul tells us not to misuse this freedom if we're causing other believers, who are following legalistic non-biblical commands out of faith, to stumble (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8; 1 Corinthians 10:23ff). An example of this might be drinking alcohol. Scripture tells us that we should not become drunk (Ephesians 5:18) but does not tell us not to drink alcohol. Therefore, we are free to partake of alcohol in a responsible way (1 Timothy 4:4-5) in which we remain sober. However, we should not drink if we are causing a Christian who believes that we should refrain from alcohol to become discouraged in their faith.

God has granted us great freedom to live in faith in accordance with broad scriptural commands. Our ability to know truth helps us navigate life in a productive and joyful way. We thank God for His provision and wise and truthful word.

We will discuss in the next blog the methods God graciously provides us to use to mature ourselves in Him.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Holy Spirit's vital role in the believer's life - Part 3

The Holy Spirit is vital to the Christian walk. The last few weeks we have discussed the important roles the Holy Spirit plays in our lives including in our salvation and invariable assistance He provides every day.

In this blog we examine the role of the Spirit in our lives that are dependent upon our obedience. Therefore, these actions by the Spirit are available to us if we're seeking God through His word. Remember, we need to use the Bible to explain the Spirit’s actions in our lives and not by our feelings or experiences. We should live by facts and not emotion.

Believer dependent roles

Two passages are critical to understand the variable actions of the Spirit, Romans 8:13-16, 26 and Ephesians 6:10-17.

Romans 8:13-16

·       Stops sin (v.13) – As we are obedient, the Spirit helps put to death the deeds of the flesh.

·       Leads us (v.14) – Many Christians believe this biblical concept but may not understand how the Spirit leads. In short, the Spirit uses a believer’s knowledge of God’s word to them (please see below passage in Ephesians 6). Indeed, the Bible often tells us to be people of knowledge and understanding, for example in Paul’s prayers for others (Ephesians 1:17, Colossians 1:9). Please see the chapter over God's leading.

·       Comforts believers that they are God’s children (V.16) – The Spirit encourages us that they belong to God and should not be anxious about eternity.

Ephesians 6:10-17

The magnificent “armor of God” passage is critical to understanding the Christian’s lifestyle. It describes our access to God’s power by arming ourselves as a Greek hoplite soldier. Often Christians wonder how they can know the power of God. These great verses describe it!

However, it is also important in showing the role of the Spirit because His mighty actions are linked to each piece of armor, also described in other scriptures.

·       Truth (the belt to prepare us, v.14) – Developing a mindset of truth is a “fruit” or result of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:9) and provides mental preparation for making proper decisions and actions.

·       Righteousness (the breastplate, v.14) – A fruit of the Spirit is a holy heart that is set apart to serve God and can perceive and reject sin (Ephesians 5:9).

·       Share the gospel (the shoes to carry us to battle, v.15) – By telling others the message of salvation we see the power of God to change others and positively affect society, which is assisted by the Spirit (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; John 16:8-11).

·       Faith (the shield, v.16) – Another result of the Spirit is faith in which we should make all decisions and God desires (Galatians 5:22,23; Romans 14:23).

·       Eternal security (the helmet, v.17) – The sound knowledge of security of salvation protects our mind in the face of trouble in this world; its function is from the Spirit (Romans 15:13).

·       The Bible (the sword, v.17) – The power of God in the Christian walk is through the action of the Spirit in accordance to the Bible.

Wow what great truths! These passages tell us how the Spirit acts in believers’ lives to cause them to please God and experience His power.

Therefore, in our Christian walk the Spirit has several key roles that He graciously provides to produce results, lead and help us live by His power.  However, as His children we need to be obedient to His word to allow the Spirit to work and to attain full access to the Spirit in our lives. God wants us to know Him and be holy like Him. He graciously provides us every avenue to help us accomplish His great goal. 

Join us next time as we discuss our own responsibilities to the Spirit dependent on our obedience. 

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

Christ's Glorious Resurrection

Welcome back to my blog. The last few weeks we have discussed the chronological events of salvation. Although we make salvation efficacious for ourselves by belief in Christ’s death as the punishment for our personal sins, the marvelous story of salvation began before all time and will end with Christ’s final magnificent return.

We have examined the biblical concepts of God’s choosing us and dragging us to salvation alongside the Holy Spirit’s conviction, all which brought us to the point of faith in Christ for our personal salvation. We also have considered what Christ accomplished by his death to allow us to be saved.

Please see the last two weeks of blogs for details at https://teleiosresearch.com/blog-teleios/.

This week we discuss Christ’s glorious resurrection and why it's so important. 

Significance of the resurrection

·       Regarding Jesus Christ -  If Christ did not rise from the dead He cannot be not God, God’s promises were voided, Christ does not have the power of God, He did not ascend to heaven and begin the church, He cannot minister to us now nor will He return to establish eternity and reign in His Kingdom. Consequently, the resurrection is central to who God is and His promises.      

·       Regarding man - The resurrection is central to our salvation and our identity as Christians. The resurrection is described by a number of concepts in the epistles, the most common of which is spiritual baptism.  This is an important biblical truth which is vital in understanding our transformation into Christians at our salvation.

When we become a Christian, we are identified (baptized, Greek, baptizo) with Christ’s gracious death and resurrection. Otherwise, at salvation our old self died and was buried with Christ. We were raised (resurrected) to new life with Him and spiritually we sit with Him on the right hand of God the Father (Romans 6:2-12; Ephesians 2:4-7; Colossians 2:12-13).

Similar concepts in the epistles that are based on the resurrection are: regeneration (Titus 3:5), born again (John 3:5), a new man (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10), Christ in you the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), the anointing by the Spirit (1 John 2:20,27), and the seed (1 John 3:9).

·       Importantly, the resurrection provides the following:

o   Power not to sin – Although every believer sins, we have the ability to resist sin because as a new person in Christ we have the power by the Holy Spirit to live a victorious life. We can say “no” to sin!

o   Holiness – Our new life in Christ allows us to be viewed as holy by God so we now have access to Him. (Hebrews 10:19-22). Indeed, without the resurrection and our new life, despite our forgiveness, we would still be dead. This is because without the regeneration (spiritual baptism) resulting from the resurrection, we would still be “in our sins” because of our fallen depraved nature inherited from Adam (1 Corinthians 15:17-19; Ephesians 2:3).

o   Prayer - Because we are a new holy person based in Christ’s resurrection we have the freedom to come boldly to God in prayer without hindrance (Hebrews 10:20-23). 

o   Eternal life – Because of the resurrection we are raised with Christ to new life. We are now holy and we can enter heaven and eternal life when our physical life ends.

o   Eternal security – The regeneration helps prove we cannot lose our salvation because scripture does not indicate that our new self can be killed and the old dead self re-resurrected like some bad re-make of the ‘Night of the Living Dead’!

o   Able to serve - Since we are resurrected to a new and holy person, and possess the Holy Spirit, we are a new creature that is able to serve God according to His will (Romans 6:11-16). We were not able to do His works prior to becoming a Christian (Romans 3:10-12).

In other words, by the resurrection we are transformed permanently to a new life, identified with Christ and sitting with Him in heaven. These changes cannot be reversed. What a great comfort we have in truth of scripture!

Therefore, as a new person, we are liberated from sin and are free to serve Christ. We cannot be defeated by the misdeeds of our old self nor affected by Adam’s fall (Romans 6:11-23).

What a great salvation we have, which God planned before all time and carried out in his wisdom knowledge love and for his good pleasure (Ephesians 1:4-8). Join me next time as we continue this wonderful journey discussing God’s wonderful plan of salvation.

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

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Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.