The gospel message hangs upon one historical event – Christ’s resurrection. Peter was an eyewitness, having been with, touched, and spoken to the risen Jesus.
But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Acts 2:24 (NASB)
Peter used a mixed metaphor in this verse. The world translated “agony” literally means “birth pangs.” Jesus’ death and resurrection inaugurated the birth of a new generation of people. Those who put their faith in Christ, according to Scripture, are “born again.” Through being “born again,” we become part of a new generation of human beings who are recreated in God’s image and part of his eternal family.
Satan made a major miscalculation when he orchestrated Christ’s crucifixion. His plan was to destroy the Messiah and nullify the promise made to Eve in the Garden that one of her descendants would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). The resurrection exposed his folly and fulfilled God’s promise.
Through death and resurrection, Jesus destroyed the power of death and released all believers from its destructive grip.
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15 (NASB)
Those who put their faith and allegiance in the risen Lord may die physically, but never spiritually, and our physical bodies will rise again at Jesus’ return!
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25–26 (NKJV)
God asks us the same question Jesus asked Mary: Do we believe this? If we do, we participate in resurrection life through Christ!
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9–10 (NKJV)
