The center point of the Christian life begins at the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The center point of our power as Christians begins with our faith. From faith we have a belief; from this belief we pray; and through prayer we have trust in the assurances of God’s promises to us. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. “If Christ be not risen our faith is vain,” 1 Corinthians 15:14. Ten different appearance of our risen Lord are recorded in the New Testament by the apostles, with one additional mention by Paul who speaks of it as an appearance of the risen Savior (Acts 9:3-9,17). We can be certain now that death is not the end.

There is a future life for all who believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. “Then the angel spoke to the women, ‘don’t be frightened,’ he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified, but He is not here! For He has come back to life again just as He said He would. Come in and see where His body was lying,’” Matthew 28:5-6. This resurrection was the act of the Father, (Acts 2:24) of Christ Himself (John 2:19), and of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 3:18). How can someone know they have eternal life? Eternal life begins in this life.

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven not built by human hands (2 Corinthians 5:1). Eternal life is ours when we know God through Jesus Christ (John 17:1-26). Eternal life is not something we earn. It belongs to those who trust in Jesus and submit themselves to the Holy Spirit. Only through the outpouring of God’s spirit can we achieve this peace and fruitfulness.

My weekly prayer is that the reader of this commentary becomes spiritually inspired of God. Become a prayer partner with Expressions of Faith by contacting us at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or e-mail <w310watson@aol.com>.