The phrase “and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” from the Nicene Creed triumphantly proclaims the central miracle of Christianity: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It declares that Jesus, after suffering death and being buried, rose from the dead on the third day, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing the foundation of Christian hope.
Theological Background:
- The Resurrection: This is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming that Jesus Christ conquered death and rose to a new, glorified life. It is not merely resuscitation but a transformation to a new mode of existence.
- Fulfillment of Scripture: The phrase “in accordance with the Scriptures” emphasizes that Jesus’ resurrection was not a random event but the fulfillment of God’s plan foretold in the Old Testament.
- New Life: The Resurrection signifies the beginning of new creation and the promise of eternal life for believers. It is a victory over sin and death, offering hope and transformation.
- Foundation of Faith: The Resurrection is the basis for Christian faith and the source of its power. Without the Resurrection, Christian faith would be meaningless, as St. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:17.
Scriptural References:
- Hosea 6:2: “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.” This verse is interpreted as a prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection.
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” This passage highlights the centrality of the resurrection and its connection to Scripture.
- John 20:1-10: This passage describes the discovery of the empty tomb and the appearance of the risen Jesus to Mary Magdalene. It provides eyewitness testimony to the resurrection.
Church Councils:
- Council of Nicaea (325 AD): The Nicene Creed affirms the resurrection as an essential element of Christian belief.
- Council of Constantinople (381 AD): This council expanded the Nicene Creed, further emphasizing the significance of the resurrection and its connection to Scripture.
Summary:
The line “and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” is a triumphant declaration of the Resurrection, the core of Christian faith. It signifies Jesus’ victory over death, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the promise of new life. This teaching is deeply rooted in Scripture, particularly the Old Testament prophecies and the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection, and has been affirmed by the Church throughout its history. It invites us to celebrate the Resurrection with joy and to live in the hope of eternal life.
Reflection
“And rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” These words, bursting with the triumphant joy of Easter morning, invite us into the heart of the Christian mystery and draw us closer to our Trinitarian God.
Imagine: the stone rolled away, the tomb empty, the grave clothes lying discarded. The silence of death shattered by the dawn of new life. Jesus, who suffered and died, now walks among us, radiant and alive.
This is the miracle of the Resurrection, the cornerstone of our faith. It is not merely a return to earthly life, but a transformation into a new, glorified existence. It is the fulfillment of God’s ancient promises, the ultimate victory over sin and death.
In the Resurrection, we witness the full power of the Trinity. The Father, in his boundless love, raises his Son from the dead. The Son, in his glorious triumph, conquers death and opens the way to eternal life. And the Holy Spirit, the giver of life, breathes new life into creation.
As we reflect on the Resurrection, we are invited to share in this new life. We are called to rise with Christ, to leave behind the darkness of sin and despair, and to walk in the light of his love.
The Resurrection transforms our understanding of suffering and death. We no longer fear death as the final end, but see it as a passage to new life, a doorway to eternity. We find hope in the midst of trials, knowing that even in the darkest moments, God is with us, working to bring about his purposes.
Every moment becomes an opportunity to encounter the Trinity in a new way. In the beauty of creation, we see the Father’s creative power, bringing forth new life from the dust. In acts of love and service, we reflect the Son’s self-giving love, poured out for the world. In moments of quiet prayer and contemplation, we open ourselves to the Spirit’s transforming presence, renewing our hearts and minds.
As we grow in intimacy with our Trinitarian God, our lives are filled with joy and hope. We recognize that we are not just random beings in a vast universe, but beloved children of a loving Father, redeemed by his Son, and empowered by his Spirit. This is the invitation of the Nicene Creed: to embrace the Resurrection, to live in the light of Easter morning, and to share in the eternal life that Christ has won for us.
Discussion Questions For Prayer and Reflection
Personal Resurrection:
- Experiencing New Life: How does the reality of Jesus’ resurrection impact your daily life? How does it offer hope and inspire you to overcome challenges?
- Dying to Self: Reflect on Romans 6:3-4, which connects baptism with dying and rising with Christ. What areas of your life need to “die” so that new life can emerge? How can you actively participate in this process of transformation?
- Living in Hope: How does the Resurrection shape your perspective on suffering and death? How does it offer comfort and assurance in times of grief or uncertainty?
Understanding the Trinity through the Resurrection:
- The Father’s Power: How does the Resurrection reveal the Father’s power and love? How does it demonstrate His commitment to fulfilling His promises?
- The Son’s Victory: Reflect on the significance of Jesus conquering death. How does this victory give you confidence in His ability to overcome any obstacle in your life?
- The Spirit’s Role: How is the Holy Spirit involved in the Resurrection and in our ongoing experience of new life? How can you be more receptive to the Spirit’s work of renewal and transformation?
Living the Creed in Light of the Resurrection:
- Fulfillment of Scripture: How does the Resurrection affirm the truth and reliability of Scripture? How does it deepen your appreciation for the Old Testament prophecies that foreshadowed this event?
- Sharing the Hope: How does the Resurrection inspire you to share your faith with others? How can you effectively communicate the hope and joy that comes from knowing the risen Christ?
- Living in the Light: The Resurrection ushers in a new creation. How can you live as a “new creation” in Christ, reflecting His light and love in your words and actions?
- Eternal Perspective: The Resurrection points to a future “life of the world to come.” How does this eternal perspective influence your priorities and choices in the present?
Bonus Question: How does celebrating Easter and participating in the Eucharist connect you to the Resurrection and deepen your relationship with the Trinity?
By engaging with these questions, individuals and groups can explore the profound implications of the Resurrection, strengthen their faith in the Nicene Creed, and cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with their Triune God.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post