Rules for Reformers

by Douglas Wilson

Christians understand the resurrection of Jesus was the black swan of all history—it was a surprise to everyone, it has transformed the world, and modern Christians like to tsk at the twelve disciples for hiding in the upper room instead of being out by the Lord’s grave, looking expectantly at their watches. Jesus had told them plainly beforehand what He was going to do, and then after the fact, He showed them again—going through all the Scriptures—how these things had to happen. It is so plain to us all . . . now that it has happened.

Christ was born at Bethlehem, where He received a body that was capable of dying. He grew up, obeying God and loving Him, as Israel had never done before. He identified with His sinful people completely, from the beginning of His ministry, when He submitted to a baptism of repentance. He taught us what He meant and what He was about through parables and miracles for three years. At the end of that time, He was railroaded by the Establishment, the liberal Sadducees and conservative Pharisees uniting against Him in their hatred. He was flogged, and taunted, and abused, and then was nailed to a cross, along with sinful identity of all His people. He died with two brigands, and was laid in a rich man’s tomb. Three days later He came out of that tomb with your justification and forgiveness in both His hands, never to let it go. That is what we declare; that is what we say.