Laying It Down

Jesus is God, thus he could say that he would both lay down his life and take it back again. Jesus’ death and resurrection, as part of God’s plan for the salvation of the world, were under God’s full control. No one could kill Jesus without his consent. It was important that Jesus die on the cross to take the punishment for sin, but it was also important that he rise from the dead. The resurrection of Christ is the center of the Christian faith. Because Christ rose from the dead as he promised, we know that what he said is true—he is God. Because he rose, we have certainty that our sins are forgiven. Because he rose, he lives and represents us to God. Because he rose and defeated death, we know we will also be raised.