"It's That Simple"

Scripture Passage

Acts 24:1-26:32

Scripture Focus

“But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.” (Acts 25:18-19 NLT)

Observation

The words quoted in the Scripture focus above are those of Porcius Festus. (Don’t like your name? Things could be worse!) As the newly appointed governor in Caesarea, Festus has inherited Paul’s case and is a bit perplexed as to what to do with it. He’s explaining the case—as best he understands it—to King Agrippa…and the wonderful thing is, he understands it really well. He describes it as all about “religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive” (Acts 25:19 NLT).

Is that not a great summary of the whole matter? This fundamental conviction that Jesus—once dead—now lives again and forevermore…and promises that same eternal life to all who trust in Him by faith…—this fundamental conviction is the heart of the gospel. It is the heartbeat of Christian faith!

To that end, I’m surprised more isn’t made of it—by believers and dis-believers alike. Something in me fears that even many Christians don’t appreciate how fundamental and history-altering Christ’s resurrection is. Most people know that Muslims pray five times a day. Most people know that the geographical center of Judaism is Jerusalem. Most people know that Buddhists and Hindus believe in reincarnation. But I wonder if most people know—I wonder if most Christians know—that Christian faith rises and falls on Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Beyond that, I wonder how many people (believers or not) know that the Bible promises physical resurrection from the dead for every person—that in Jesus’ own words, “a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned” (John 5:28-29 NIV).  I think that ought to seem as noteworthy about "us" to non-Christians as religious convictions about reincarnation or cessation at death seems to Christians when seen in other faiths.

“Lord, rebirth in us—resurrect in us—this oh-so-fundamental confident conviction…in Your resurrection…and in the promise of our own! Let our faith be that simple—about a man once dead who we insist is alive!”

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