Day 7 – When Christ Raised the Heart

The story of the gospel does not end at the cross. Advent points not only to the birth of the Savior, but to the new life He gives to all who believe. Jesus didn’t come merely to set an example—He came to give life.

Paul writes, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1 ESV)

That statement changes everything. We weren’t just lost or broken—we were dead. And the dead cannot help themselves. Salvation doesn’t begin with our effort, but with God’s power to raise the heart.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us… made us alive together with Christ.” (Ephesians 2:4–5 ESV)

Christian faith is not moral improvement—it’s new creation. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV) The same power that raised Jesus from the tomb now works in us. “Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4 ESV)

This inner resurrection doesn’t remove all struggle, but it changes our foundation. Where there was once guilt, now there is peace. Where there was darkness, now there is light.

Titus 3:5 (ESV) reminds us, “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

When Christ raises the heart, He changes not only what we do, but what we desire.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV)

The resurrection is not only a past event—it is present power. As John Piper wrote, “The resurrection doesn’t just guarantee life after death; it gives power for holiness now.”

Real freedom isn’t doing whatever we want—it’s finally wanting what we were made for: to love and serve God.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is.” (Colossians 3:1 ESV)

That is the invitation of Advent—to live as those already raised.

Jesus said, “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life… has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24 ESV)

This is the gospel’s climactic promise: the life He gives does not end with death.

Christ did not only rise from the tomb—He rose in the hearts of all who believe. That is the hope that sustains our worship: the same power that raised Jesus still works in us today.

Practical Reflection:

• What areas of your life need to experience Christ’s resurrection power?
• Are you living as one made new, or clinging to the old self?
  
  Pray:

“Lord, thank You for bringing me from death to life. Awaken what still sleeps within me, and let me live for Your glory.”