The exceeding depths of Christ’s humiliation culminating at the cross had to be reversed by an equal and opposite exaltation. This is what turned the brokenhearted disciples into bold witnesses and martyrs. By the power of the Holy Spirit, they preached the cross in the light of the glory of the risen Christ. The Spirit-empowered explosion of gospel proclamation had more to do with their view of the risen Christ than with anything else.
Is that in us? We are prone to see and process things through the lens of self. This is true even in theology, and it is to our detriment. The perceived measure of importance of a biblical event or claim is too often based on what it means to me. So, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is typically proclaimed in our day only so far as it pertains to us. Often its importance seems to be chiefly attached to its value as evidence. It is regularly treated as a means for proving the historicity and trustworthiness of our faith, as though its purpose is merely for apologetics or a defense of Christianity. And where this is not the focus the benefits of the resurrection to us typically are. These are legitimate though not preeminent considerations. Rarely are we challenged to understand the resurrection in terms of its meaning to Christ Himself.
In this series, it is our intent to devote ourselves in heart and mind to the glory of the risen Christ. We aim to consider the grand realities of the exaltation of Christ, including His resurrection, ascension, and session at the right hand of the Father. It is altogether a Christ-exalting theme, the implications of which are profound and practical. They make much of Christ and thereby serve our greatest good at the deepest levels of heart application. A right view of the glory of the risen Christ is essential to God’s glory, our joy, and the proclamation of the gospel.