The Apostles’ Creed Part 5

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, 
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit 
and born of the virgin Mary. 
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, died, and was buried; 
The third day he rose again from the dead. 
He ascended to heaven 
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. 
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, 
the holy universal church, 
the communion of saints, 
the forgiveness of sins, 
the resurrection of the body, 
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Nothing in Christianity is meaningful if one sentence in the Apostles' Creed is not true. In fact, Christianity is a sham if it is not true. But, since it is true, Christians have an inexpressible confidence and non-Christians have reason to fear. The cosmic history changing sentence is this: The third day he rose again from the dead. 

It changes everything for five reasons: 

First, the resurrection of the Messiah was predicted in the Old Testament (1 Corinthians 15: 2-3, Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10-12). God in wisdom and foresight planned to atone for the sins of his children through the death of the Messiah. He planned to prove the sacrifice was accepted through Messiah’s resurrection. God has total control over the plan of salvation. 

Second, the resurrection proves God’s acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice. No one could know that the payment pleased God except by the resurrection. That means Christians stand fully forgiven. 

Third, death is the great symbol of the power of Satan, and sin over humanity. The resurrection in which the God-man Jesus was raised proved that Satan and sin are not the ultimate victors. Jesus is. 

Fourth, the resurrection was the crucial step for God to exalt Messiah as King over the kings of the earth (Psalm 2). Hundreds of people saw him and then bore witness, then the Father raised him to heaven. Jesus ascended and is ruling at the right hand of God the Father almighty. 

Fifth, because Jesus was raised. All those who follow him will be raised as well (1 Corinthians 15). The resurrection is the proof of payment accepted and is the anchor of Christian hope . 

No sin, no satanic opposition not even death itself can block the Christian from his ultimate home. This ruler is worthy of our faith and submission.

Dan Jarms

Dr. Dan Jarms is teaching pastor and team leader at Faith Bible Church in Spokane Washington, as well as associate dean at The Master's Seminary in Spokane. He has been married for over 30 years to Linda, and has three adult children. He earned his B.A. in English at the Master’s College, B.Ed. at Eastern Washington University, M.Div and D.Min in Expository Preaching at The Master’s Seminary. His other interests include NCAA basketball, woodworking, and art.

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