Article V

He descended into Hell;

The third Day He rose again from the dead;

I'm not sure why, but somehow I managed to include the descent into hell under the fourth article. It belongs to the fifth article. So this post will only (not that the word only is really appropriate) cover the resurrection of the Lamb from the dead.

Some may ask why the resurrection is important or even necessary. Didn't the Lamb complete all His work when He said, "It is finished"? In 1 Corinthians 15, St. Paul says that the entire Christian faith is useless and ridiculous if Christ did not rise from the dead. Paul is not defending the idea of Jesus living on in our hearts. Paul is speaking of a real resurrection. Paul is speaking of something worth dying for.

Revelation 1:4-5 John, to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to y o u and peace from God, who is and who was and who is coming, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

Christ is the firstborn of the resurrection of the dead. When Christ returns you too will receive your resurrected body. If the Lamb were not resurrected there would be no resurrection for you.

Romans 4:24-25 It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

The resurrection is also proof that your justification took place. Christ was raised because He accomplished your justification. If you justification were not accomplished He would still be lying in the tomb.