Therefore we have been
buried with him by baptism
into death, so that,
just as Christ was raised
from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
so we too might walk
in newness of life.
Romans 6:4
Lutheran funerals start with these words.
Easter centers on this truth too!
Christ was raised.
So we too [will] walk
in newness of life.
Today, pay attention to two words -- "was raised." Think about what that means.
If the consistent testimony of Scripture was that "Jesus rose," it would imply that Jesus might have done it under his own power. It implies that his death wasn't really death -- that he still retained some power.
But when Scripture says that he "was raised," it implies that Jesus submitted to full force of death. He was fully dead. He was utterly powerless. His sacrifice was total and complete. God -- the Son of God -- ceased to exist.
And then "by the glory of the Father [there was] newness of life"!
Jesus died. The Father raised him.
One day, you and I will die too. And "by the glory of the Father ... we too [will] walk newness of life"!
In Christ's Love,
Hallelujah!
That's why Peter denied Christ three times. He couldn't comprehend any purpose or value behind
But if wasn't for the power of the cross, Peter -- and all of us -- would be "perishing."
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