Christians celebrate Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus. This topic is worth discussing because the details about his resurrection are a mystery. What many people want to understand is, did Jesus raise himself?
According to John 10:18, Jesus raised himself. However, other Bible verses suggest that he did not do it all alone. For instance, Acts 2:32 mentions that God the Father brought Jesus back to life, while Romans 8:11 suggests that the Holy Spirit raised Jesus. Therefore, many Biblical scholars conclude that the Holy Trinity, which consists of God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (2nd Corinthians 13:14), raised Jesus from the dead.
Does the Bible say how Jesus came back from the dead? Did the Holy Trinity work together to raise Jesus from the dead? What power raised Jesus from the dead? These are some of the questions that this article will cover. By the end of it, one can also learn how Jesus conquered Death. Read on to find out more!
Does the Bible say how Jesus came back from the dead?
The Bible does not clearly explain how Jesus came back from the dead. However, the New Testament gives accounts of an empty tomb and Jesus’ appearances to people. Matthew 28: 1- 9 mentions Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visiting his tomb. An angel of the Lord appeared unto them and told them not to be afraid, for he knew who they were looking for.
The angel told the women that Jesus, who was crucified, was no longer in the tomb. The angel even told them to come and see where he lay so that they could believe that he was no longer there. And when they were on their way to tell the disciples of the news, Jesus appeared unto them. Mark 16: 1-9 supports this story.
Did the Holy Trinity work together to raise Jesus from the dead?
Some Bible verses suggest that the Holy Trinity worked together to raise Jesus from the dead. The Holy trinity refers to three persons in one that is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (2nd Corinthians 13:14).
In Galatians 1:1, Christians learn that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. This verse says, Paul, an apostle not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead.
According to John 10:18, Jesus raised himself from the dead. This verse says, No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.
On the other hand, 1st Peter 3:18 suggests that the Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. This verse says, For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to Death in the flesh made alive in the Spirit.
What power raised Jesus from the dead?
Romans 8:11 suggests that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is the Spirit of God. This verse says, And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. This verse implies that God filled his son with his Spirit and gave him the power to overcome Death for mankind to have eternal life.
Ephesians 1:20 also talks of the Spirit of God raising Jesus from the dead. It says God put his power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.
How did Jesus get the power to raise himself from the dead?
Jesus had the power to raise himself from the dead since he was more than a man. John 3:17 suggests that Jesus is the eternal son of God who was sent to save the world. Though the Roman soldiers could kill his body, they could not change his divine power. Jesus said that he had the power to raise himself from the dead when he declared to be the resurrection and life, as recorded in John 11:25.
Jesus is God since he is part of the Holy Trinity. Therefore, he is all-powerful. Revelations 1:18 says I am the living one. I died, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys to Death and Hades. The last part of John 10:18 says, this charge I have received from my Father. These words imply that God the Father gave him authority to take up his life again from the tomb where his body lay dead.
What does it mean that Jesus Christ conquered Death?
Jesus conquered Death when he resurrected. This event marks the first time someone died, came back to life, and never died again. Unlike some people who were resurrected and later died the second time (John 11:38-44), Jesus only died once. Acts 2:24 says God raised him up, losing the pangs of Death because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
Since Rev 1:18 mentions Jesus holding the keys of Death, it means that he is sovereign over Death. Jesus also conquered Death because he did not have any sin (1st Peter 2:22). Death came into the world after Adam and Eden sinned (Genesis 2:17).
Though Jesus was sinless, his Death was a sacrifice for the sins of man. Due to his sinless nature, he had to conquer Death. Since Jesus conquered Death, it means that Christians also have victory over Death, as explained in 1st John 3:14.
References
- Knowing the power that raised Jesus from the dead
- What does it mean that Jesus Christ conquered Death?
- Don Stewart: Who Brought Jesus back from the dead?
- Resurrection
- Who resurrected Jesus
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
