CHRIST’S SUPERNATURAL KEYSTONES

“…Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” – 1 Corinthians 15:3b-4

The Christian Faith stands on FOUR SUPERNATURAL KEYSTONES – supernatural events that have kept humanity from self-destructing: Christ’s Birth, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. Like beacons of light across a storm-tossed sea, these miracles have shown the way of salvation to a world in misery and despair. Christendom celebrates these supernatural milestones on Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, and Ascension Day. Christianity recognises the significance of Christ’s birth, when God became flesh; the Cross, when sin’s penalty was paid; the resurrection, when the power of death was broken; and His ascension, which portends His imminent return. Jesus is the central theme of the Bible, and the truth about Him is the foundation of the Gospel, the Church, and the Kingdom of God!

Jesus’ Birth was supernatural in many ways. He was born of a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit. The angel told the Virgin Mary: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” (Lk.1:35). The Father-God used a supernatural event to prove the Deity of His Son – that Jesus was no ordinary man. The miracle also symbolises Jesus’ dual nature: His conception and birth by a woman shows His human nature; His conception by the Holy Spirit attests to His divinity. The nature of man and the nature of God were united in Jesus. Moreover, though He came as a King, Jesus was born and lived in the most humble of circumstances. He was born in a stable and laid in a manger, yet angels announced His Birth (Lk.2:7-14).

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection are two of the essential truths of Christianity: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that CHRIST DIED for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that HE ROSE again the third day according to the Scriptures” (vv. 15:3-4). Both are undeniable historical facts: “and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (vv.5-8). Jesus’ resurrection is supernatural: “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v.20). And His resurrection guarantees ours! 

Jesus’ Ascension is significant in that His return to the Father affected the lives of both believers and unbelievers. The exalted Lord is not only continuing His High Priestly and Intercessory ministry for believers, but through the Spirit He is also calling sinners to Himself. On returning to heaven, He sent the Spirit to be our Helper and Teacher and to reveal humanity’s need for the Saviour: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (Jh. 16:7-8; 13-14). Had Christ remained on this earth following His resurrection, His continuing ministry would have been limited. He would not have accomplished what He is presently doing through the Holy Spirit. Most significantly, His Ascension was a physical and observable event that is the model for His Return: (Acts 1:9-11).

To further confirm their supernatural character, these four keystones were prophesied centuries ahead of their fulfilment:

• His Birth – humble and by a Virgin (Isa.7:14, 9:6-7; Mic. 5:2; Mt.1:20-23, 2:1-6)
• His Crucifixion and Death on the Cross (Psa.22:7-8, 14-16; Isa. 53:5-12; Zech.12:10; Mt.27:39-40)
• His Resurrection (Psa.16:10, 30:3; Mt.28:5-7; Mk.16:6-7; Acts 2:27-31)
• His Ascension and Return (Psa.68:18; Dan.7:13; Mk. 13:26; Lk.21:27; Eph.4:8-10).