Welcome!
Use this catechism as a study method for one question and answer per week, for 52 weeks. Our hope is that you will take the time each week to memorize these questions and answers in an effort to strengthen your biblical knowledge and to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).
For background information on why we chose this catechism resource and for a list of the entire catechism, CLICK HERE.
We hope that you will find this resource to be useful in your study time, and especially as you discuss what you are learning in small groups or with family.
Q50 – What does Christ’s resurrection mean?
Q: What does Christ’s resurrection mean for us?
A: Christ triumphed over sin and death by being physically resurrected, so that all who trust in him are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come. Just as we will one day be resurrected, so this world will one day be restored. But those who do not trust in Christ will be raised to everlasting death.
Scripture Reference:
1Thess. 4:13-14
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
(All Scripture references are from ESV)
Vertical Truth in Faith – What does this mean in my relationship with God?
Christ’s resurrection gives us hope and is the most important aspect of our faith in Him. The resurrection of Jesus is certain affirmation of who He is, “He is the image of the invisible God…” Colossians 1:15. Faith in the gospel–which is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus–restores our relationship with God from our sinful state. Since Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God in chapter three of Genesis, God has been at work restoring all things. The restoration of all things includes His relationship with humanity and all of nature. As believers in the gospel we have the resurrection to eternal life and we are “to be conformed to the image of his son …” according to Romans 8:29. Without faith in the gospel there is no resurrection, no restoration, and we face eternal death and separation from God.
Colossians 1:15 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord…”
Romans 8:29 “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
The Horizontal Truth in Love – What does this mean in my relationship with humanity?
Jesus said, after loving God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, we should love our neighbor as ourselves. He teaches in the parable of the “Good Samaritan” that our neighbors are everyone (all of humanity). As humans around the world we all have common needs. One important common need is hope, and Christians have it. We have hope to live today and resurrection hope to live in eternity with Jesus. As Christians, loving our neighbors means we live out and share the gospel of hope with them who live next door, in the next state, even in the next continent.
Luke 10:27 “And He answered, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Practical Truth in Action – How can I put this truth into action
We must realize the majority of our neighbors do not have the hope of resurrection or eternal life. Without faith in the gospel of Jesus their future is everlasting death and separation from our loving God. In loving our neighbors, how could we allow them to continue to walk towards this kind of future? When we as Christians deliberately love our neighbors by being merciful and sharing the gospel of hope, God takes over and speaks to their heart and soul, this is His part. We don’t need to debate or argue any points, we just need to love them and speak the gospel, this is our part. Ask God to give you love for your neighbors in such a way that you respect them, care for them, and look for opportunities to share the gospel with them.
Additionally, we are responsible to our Christian brothers and sisters in loving and caring for those in need. We can encourage each other by reminding them of the resurrection and our hope of being with Jesus and other believers forever.
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes … ”
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 “Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
Note to readers
New City Catechism is a tool intended to spark family discussions and to inspire pursuits of greater understanding and spiritual growth. Gain greater insights by reading referenced scriptures in context and/or full chapters in your Bible. As a part of your prayers, ask the Lord for wisdom and understanding. The Bible reads, in James 1:5, “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
More Questions & Answers:
Q49 – Where is Christ now?
Q: Where is Christ now ? A: Christ rose bodily from the grave on the third day after His death and is seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling His kingdom and interceding for us, until He returns to judge and renew the whole world. Scripture: Ephesians 1: 20-21...
