I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection...But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. (Phil. 3:10, 20-21)
Thoughts: Paul knew Christ, but he wanted to know Him more and more and to know the true power of Christ- the power that changes death into life. The catechism says Christ changes us by the power of the resurrection in 3 ways: 1) making us righteous; 2) we are raised to a new life; 3) it is a pledge of our own resurrection. The catechism reminds us of what the resurrection does for us and what the ascension does too (Christ intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father). Our bodies are changed from things that restrict us and humble us into glorified bodies that honor God clearly.
Prayer: Thank you, that death and earth cannot bind you. Your power can change anything. Keep me from living a hopeless life, but let me live for you.
Q & A 45
Q. How does Christ’s resurrection benefit us?
A. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he might make us share in the righteousness he obtained for us by his death.1 Second, by his power we too are already raised to a new life.2 Third, Christ’s resurrection is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection.3
1 Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:16-20; 1 Pet. 1:3-5
2 Rom. 6:5-11; Eph. 2:4-6; Col. 3:1-4
3 Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 15:12-23; Phil. 3:20-21
2 Rom. 6:5-11; Eph. 2:4-6; Col. 3:1-4
3 Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 15:12-23; Phil. 3:20-21
Lord’s Day 18
Q & A 46
Q. What do you mean by saying, “He ascended to heaven”?
A. That Christ, while his disciples watched, was taken up from the earth into heaven1 and remains there on our behalf2 until he comes again to judge the living and the dead.3
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