Christians Live by Faith in Christ and Rejoice in the Promise of His Resurrection
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man,” for all the strength of his flesh is like the grass that fades away (Jeremiah 17:5). The one who turns away from the Lord may have food and money and laugh for no9w, but he “shall mourn and weep” in the judgment (Luke 6:24-25). But “the man who trusts in the LORD” is blessed with all that he needs, “like a tree planted by water.” When heat comes, he survives (Jeremiah 17:7-8). For the Lord has come in the flesh to heal the people of all their diseases, to cleanse their spirits with forgiveness, and to preach the Gospel of the kingdom of God to the poor (Luke 6:18-20). As all of this is by way of His cross, it is solely by way of His cross, it is solely by faith in the promise of His resurrection that Christians “rejoice” and “leap for joy” (Luke 6:21-23). “If Christ has not been raided,” our faith is in vain and we are most to be pitied (I Corinthians 15:14-19). But, in fact, just as “Christ died for our sins,” so has He also “been raised from the dead” (I Corinthians 15:3, 20).
Jeremiah 17:5-8
I Corinthians 15:1-20
Luke 6:17-26
English Standard Version (ESV)