Kory M Capps's Blog

In our cultural and personal beliefs, certain phrases have become ingrained as scriptural truths, shaping our understanding of the Bible’s teachings. However, as we read scripture, we may discover that some of these familiar sayings are, in fact, absent from its verses. By recognizing these instances where our understanding diverges from the actual content of the Bible, we embark on a journey of discernment, humility, and a deeper connection to the authentic truths that guide our faith.

Here are ten phrases often attributed to the Bible, along with their explanations, the actual scriptural context, and practical implications for each:

“God helps those who help themselves.” Explanation: This phrase suggests that people should rely on their own efforts before expecting divine assistance. Actual Scripture: The Bible emphasizes relying on God’s grace and seeking His help, as seen in passages like Psalm 121:1-2 and Proverbs 3:5-6. Practical Implication: While personal responsibility is important, we must also acknowledge our dependence on God’s guidance and strength. Balancing our efforts with trust in His provision enriches our journey.“Money is the root of all evil.” Explanation: This saying implies that money is the source of all wrongdoing. Actual Scripture: The Bible states that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” in 1 Timothy 6:10, highlighting the significance of wrong priorities and attachments. Practical Implication: Money itself is not inherently evil, but our attitude and priorities regarding wealth matter. Practicing contentment, generosity, and responsible stewardship can help align our hearts with God’s values.“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Explanation: This saying suggests that cleanliness has a direct correlation to one’s spiritual standing. Actual Scripture: While the Bible encourages good stewardship of our bodies and surroundings, the phrase itself is not found in the Bible. Biblical cleanliness is often associated with moral purity, not merely physical cleanliness. Practical Implication: While maintaining physical cleanliness is important, nurturing moral integrity and spiritual purity is equally crucial. Cultivating both physical and spiritual health contributes to our overall well-being.“This too shall pass.” Explanation: This phrase implies that all challenges and difficulties are temporary. Actual Scripture: While the idea aligns with biblical teachings about the impermanence of trials, the exact phrase is not found in the Bible. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 speaks about the seasons of life, including times of hardship. Practical Implication: When facing adversity, the perspective that trials are temporary can bring comfort and hope. Trusting God’s sovereignty helps us endure and find purpose even in difficult seasons.“God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Explanation: This saying suggests that God never allows challenges beyond an individual’s ability to endure. Actual Scripture: While God promises to provide a way out in times of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), the phrase itself is not explicitly stated in the Bible. The Bible acknowledges that we may face difficulties beyond our human strength, relying on God’s strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Practical Implication: Challenges that exceed our capacity teach us humility and reliance on God’s power. Trusting God’s strength in our weaknesses enables us to face adversity with courage.“God works in mysterious ways.” Explanation: This phrase expresses that God’s actions and plans are beyond human comprehension. Actual Scripture: Though the phrase is not found in the Bible, Isaiah 55:8-9 explains that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and Romans 11:33 emphasizes the depth of His wisdom. Practical Implication: Embracing the mystery of God’s ways humbles us and fosters a deeper trust in His wisdom. It encourages us to seek Him with a sense of wonder and learn from His unfolding plan.“Spare the rod, spoil the child.” Explanation: This saying suggests that discipline is necessary to prevent a child from becoming spoiled. Actual Scripture: The exact phrase is not present in the Bible. However, Proverbs 13:24 emphasizes the importance of discipline, and Proverbs 22:6 encourages training children in the way they should go. Practical Implication: Disciplining with love and wisdom helps children develop character and responsibility. Nurturing their growth in a balanced way, involving both correction and encouragement, contributes to their well-being.“The lion shall lie down with the lamb.” Explanation: This phrase envisions a peaceful coexistence between predator and prey. Actual Scripture: The specific wording is not in the Bible. The imagery originates from Isaiah 11:6-9, where it describes various animals living in harmony, although the specific animals mentioned are different. Practical Implication: While the imagery is symbolic, it signifies a future of harmony and restoration. This encourages us to work towards reconciliation and peace, even in seemingly incompatible situations.“Confession is good for the soul.” Explanation: This saying implies that admitting one’s mistakes is spiritually beneficial. Actual Scripture: The phrase is not explicitly found in the Bible. However, confessing sins is encouraged in various passages, such as 1 John 1:9 and James 5:16. Practical Implication: Acknowledging our shortcomings fosters humility, accountability, and growth. Regular confession and repentance lead to spiritual healing and a deeper connection with God.“To thine own self be true.” Explanation: This saying encourages authenticity and honesty with oneself. Actual Scripture: The phrase is not in the Bible. However, the Bible teaches about integrity, being truthful, and living according to God’s standards, as seen in passages like Psalm 51:6 and Ephesians 4:25. Practical Implication: Embracing authenticity involves self-awareness and aligning our lives with God’s truth. It empowers us to make choices that reflect our faith and values.

As we reflect on these passages, we can see that some things we thought the Bible said aren’t actually in there. This discovery encourages us to read the Bible with fresh eyes, aiming to understand what it truly teaches. By understanding this, we’re reminded to be careful in how we understand and share the Bible’s messages. This understanding urges us to keep learning and growing in our faith, allowing the true teachings to shape our lives and bring us closer to the heart of God’s story.

Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday are not just days on the Christian calendar; they are stages of the Christian journey—each one corresponding to pivotal moments in our own lives. These three days shape the rhythm of Christian faith, and in their interplay, we find a model for our own suffering, waiting, and eventual triumph. The gospel’s power is fully revealed in these moments: sacrifice, silence, and triumph.

Good Friday: The Day of Sacrifice

Good Friday is the day of sacrifice—the day when Jesus bore the weight of humanity’s sin and paid the price that we could not. This is the day when the world seemed to fall into darkness, as the sinless Lamb of God was nailed to the cross. Jesus’ final words, “It is finished” (John 19:30), mark the completion of the redemptive work He came to accomplish. There is finality in these words, yet it is also a declaration of victory. Jesus’ suffering on the cross was not a failure, but a victory over the powers of sin and death.

We, too, have Good Fridays in our lives—the days of deep loss, of grief, and of suffering. It’s in these dark moments when we experience the depth of our brokenness. Theologian J.I. Packer reflects on the profound nature of Christ’s sacrifice when he writes, “The cross is the most potent emblem of God’s love… Christ suffered not merely to be a moral example for us, but to bear God’s wrath on our behalf” (Packer, Knowing God). Just as Christ’s sacrifice was necessary for our salvation, so too are our moments of suffering often the places where God’s deepest work is done. In our losses, we experience not just the weight of sin but the profound depth of God’s love for us.

In the darkness of Good Friday, we see how God uses the worst of humanity for the greatest good. As Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The cross was the work of a divine hand; the suffering was of a divine nature, and yet it was accomplished by human hands, by human instruments” (Spurgeon, The Cross of Christ). It was in the sacrifice that life began, and it is in our own personal sacrifices—whether of relationships, dreams, or health—that we often encounter the profound mystery of God’s love.

Holy Saturday: The Day of Waiting

Good Friday cannot be fully understood without Holy Saturday, the day of waiting. This is the day when the disciples sat in silence, unsure of what was happening. It is the day between grief and hope, between death and resurrection. In this space of waiting, the disciples did not know what would come next; they simply grieved and waited.

Holy Saturday in our own lives is the time when we face seasons of uncertainty and confusion. It is a day, or a period of life, where we live in the space between our disappointments and our redemption. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, “Waiting is an active thing, not a passive thing. It is the place where hope is born” (Life Together). The waiting may feel passive, but it is in this tension between suffering and glory that we learn the most. Scripture tells us that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). Just as the disciples did not yet understand the promise of the resurrection, we, too, must trust that God is at work even in our moments of greatest uncertainty.

Holy Saturday is often a place of silence, where it seems that God is absent. Yet, it is precisely in the waiting that God does His quiet, transformative work. C.S. Lewis captures this well in The Screwtape Letters, where he writes, “The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s “real life.” The truth is that this is real life—real waiting, real hope, real transformation.” God’s presence is often not loud in Holy Saturday, but it is steadfast and sure.

Resurrection Sunday: The Day of Triumph

Resurrection Sunday is the day of victory—the day when Christ triumphed over death and sin. This is the day when the stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty, and the promise of eternal life was sealed. The resurrection is the “yes” to every promise God has made. “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6). It is the day of new life, where the final victory over sin and death is declared.

In our own lives, Resurrection Sunday represents the triumph of God’s grace in the midst of our darkest hours. Resurrection is not just a theological concept, but an ongoing reality in the lives of all Christians. In moments of despair, when everything seems lost, the power of resurrection bursts forth, bringing hope and new life. As N.T. Wright writes in Surprised by Hope, “The resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of God’s new world, the world of life after death, and we are already participants in that world” (Wright, Surprised by Hope). Resurrection is not a future event we simply look forward to; it is a present reality that transforms the way we live today.

We live in a world that is constantly being transformed by the power of resurrection. When we encounter moments of death—whether the death of dreams, relationships, or health—the resurrection gives us hope that death does not have the final say. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:55, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” Resurrection power is the ultimate answer to life’s greatest fears. It assures us that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life.

3 Inseparable Days

Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday form an inseparable rhythm, each day following the other in a divine cadence. These three days reflect the normal rhythms of the Christian life, and the sacred order in which they unfold is important. The reality is that Friday and Saturday always precede Sunday. We cannot skip through the sorrow and waiting of Good Friday and Holy Saturday as we move toward Resurrection Sunday. The gospel itself is ordered this way: suffering comes before glory, waiting comes before victory.

In our lives, we are often called to walk through each of these days—sometimes with sorrow, sometimes with uncertainty, but always with the anticipation of the invincible hope that Resurrection Sunday brings. There are times when life feels like a Good Friday—filled with suffering, loss, and grief. There are seasons where it feels like Holy Saturday—silent, full of tension, and seemingly without answers. But these are not abnormal stages; they are a natural part of the Christian journey. We are invited to embrace these seasons as part of our spiritual rhythm as they drive us forward to the hope of Resurrection Sunday.

The reality of Good Friday in our lives teaches us that suffering is not foreign to the Christian experience—it is woven into the very fabric of our faith. It’s in the seasons of loss and pain that we learn to lean most deeply on the sacrifice of Christ. But just as Jesus’ suffering was not the final word, neither is our suffering. Even when it feels overwhelming, it is always, always, leading somewhere—toward the hope and new life that are promised in the resurrection.

Holy Saturday, with its silence and uncertainty, also has its place in the Christian life. This is the day of waiting—the day when it seems as though God is distant or inactive. Yet, even in our uncertainty, we are reminded that God’s silence is not absence; it is the waiting for something greater. The pain of not knowing what comes next is a shared experience for believers. We all face moments when the future feels unclear, and our hearts ache with questions. But in those moments, we must remember that God has a purpose even in the waiting, and it is this tension between grief and hope that refines us.

Then, Resurrection Sunday comes, just as it always does. It may not come in the exact moment we expect, but it always comes. And when it does, it brings with it the invincible hope that death does not have the final say. It brings the certainty that in Christ, all things are being made new. The victory of Resurrection Sunday doesn’t negate the pain of Good Friday or the uncertainty of Holy Saturday; it redeems them. It makes all things—our losses, our struggles, our waiting—part of the story that God is telling, a story that ends in triumph.

The good news is that Friday and Saturday always give way to Sunday. The suffering we endure today will one day yield to the glory of God’s resurrection power. Our moments of grief and confusion are not wasted; they are leading us toward the invincible hope of eternal life in Christ. As Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). The cycle of Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday reminds us that suffering and waiting are temporary. They are, in fact, the very means by which God is shaping us to experience the fullness of the resurrection life.

Brotherly Bonds Through Wrestling

In the Capps household, wrestling was an everyday affair. Growing up with four older brothers, I quickly learned that survival often depended on cheap shots and speed. Those were my tools in the wrestling matches that would erupt anywhere within our house. These sessions, whether sparked by a lippy comment or brotherly camaraderie, became a unique way for us to bond. Wrestling was our unspoken language, a physical connection that went beyond words.

The Story of Jacob and Esau

The story of Jacob and Esau is one marked by a complex relationship, intertwined with betrayal and redemption. In their earlier days, Jacob had deceived Esau and stolen his birthright, fleeing for his life as a result. Now, after two decades, Jacob is on his way back home. A command from God leads him to this point, returning to his homeland, bringing his family with him. However, lurking on the other side of the Jabbok River is his brother Esau, accompanied by a camp of 400 men. The sight terrifies Jacob, for he envisions an army poised to exact revenge on him and his family.

Jacob’s heart is heavy with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Doubts assail him as he questions the promises God had bestowed upon Abraham and then passed down to him. Amidst his turmoil, he wonders why God has directed him into what seems like a treacherous trap.

The Text Unveiled (Genesis 32:22-32)

On that very night, Jacob makes a move. He takes his wives, female servants, and eleven children, crossing the ford of the Jabbok River. Sending them ahead, he is left alone to grapple with his thoughts and emotions. It is in this solitude that he encounters a mysterious figure, a man who engages him in a relentless wrestling match lasting until daybreak. The course of this bout takes an astonishing turn: as the man realizes he cannot overpower Jacob, he touches Jacob’s hip socket, dislocating it. Yet Jacob refuses to release his opponent unless he blesses him. The encounter reaches its zenith when the man inquires Jacob’s name, then blesses him and renames him Israel, a symbolic transformation. Jacob departs from the wrestle with a newfound limp and a changed identity.

Unraveling the Encounter: A Divine Confrontation

While the identity of Jacob’s wrestling partner is initially veiled, by the chapter’s close, it becomes clear that God Himself has entered the fray, engaging Jacob in a deeply intimate and personal encounter. This was no ordinary wrestle; it was a grappling match with the Almighty—a profound wrestling match with God.

This chapter unfolds before us, inviting us to explore two fundamental questions: What insights can we glean about God from this narrative? And, what truths about faith can we uncover?

God’s Attributes Unveiled

Attentiveness: The story resonates with God’s awareness of Jacob’s turmoil. Despite Jacob’s fear, God does not abandon him. This encounter was initiated by God, demonstrating His deep concern for Jacob’s well-being.Humility: God chooses to meet Jacob on a deeply personal level, descending to human form. This act of condescension symbolizes God’s desire to be known and understood by His people. Remarkably, God allows Himself to be “defeated” by Jacob, revealing His humility.Nearness: Through the physical act of wrestling, God comes close to Jacob. The sweat, the breathing, the strain—they all encompass an intimacy rarely depicted in the divine-human relationship.Not Safety but Goodness: God’s interaction with Jacob unveils an essential truth: relationship with God isn’t devoid of pain. This chapter underscores that while God isn’t always “safe,” His ultimate goodness prevails.Grace: Amidst the struggle, God’s gracious nature shines. He responds to Jacob’s plea, but not without inflicting pain. This pain, however, serves as a catalyst for transformation, leading to blessing and renewal.

Faith’s Essence: Lessons Learned

Leaning into God: This story illustrates that faith involves both assertive engagement and bold honesty. God invites us into a covenant relationship marked by openness and even struggle.Gritty Transformation: The transformational journey is often characterized by sweat and pain. Jacob’s encounter with God takes place in the soil of the earth—a tangible, real, and raw experience.Pain and Blessing: The narrative intertwines pain and blessing, highlighting that growth often emerges from suffering. Just as a limp marked Jacob’s transformation, pain can be a conduit for God’s work in our lives.

Posttraumatic Growth: The Symphony of Transformation

The concept of posttraumatic growth, witnessed in psychology, echoes the transformation portrayed in this narrative. This growth is characterized by newfound opportunities, deeper connections, enhanced strength, a greater appreciation for life, and spiritual enrichment. This phenomenon resonates with the narrative’s depiction of Jacob’s transformation.

Conclusion: A Vision of Humble and Transformative Encounter

The chapter reveals a God who humbly meets His people in their turmoil. It welcomes us to grapple boldly with God and trust His transforming work—even when pain is involved. Just as God came low in this wrestling match, He did the same through the incarnation of Christ, who wrestled with sin, Satan, and death. Through apparent weakness, Christ achieved ultimate victory.

The divine wrestling match encapsulates a vision of intimacy and humility. It invites us to engage God with tenacity and to embrace the transformation that pain can bring. It illuminates the paradox of God’s closeness and His transformative power, leading us to a life marked by both struggle and triumph.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hinge upon which the entire Christian faith turns. Without it, the gospel loses its foundation, and hope fades into the void. Yet, the resurrection is not simply an event of the past, but a transformative power that invades our present and shapes our future. It is both a historical reality and a personal promise—a divine intervention that makes all things new.

What does the resurrection mean for you? It is not just a theological statement; it is the bedrock of our everyday existence, the lens through which we view all things, the source of our ultimate hope. As we reflect on what the resurrection means for us, we are invited not just to contemplate a moment in history, but to embrace the life-altering reality it brings to every corner of our lives.

Victory over Death: Death has been defeated by Christ, once and for all. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55).Hope of Eternal Life: The resurrection guarantees eternal life with God. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).Assurance of Personal Resurrection: Just as Christ was raised, you will be raised to eternal life. “But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).Freedom from the Fear of Death: The resurrection breaks the power of death, removing fear for those in Christ. “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death” (Hebrews 2:14).New Creation: The resurrection marks the beginning of a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).Restoration of Fellowship with God: Through the resurrection, we are reconciled to God. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10).The Holy Spirit’s Indwelling Presence: The resurrection makes way for the Holy Spirit to live within believers. “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).Christ’s Intercession on Our Behalf: The resurrection means Christ intercedes for you at God’s right hand. “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).Victory Over Sin: The resurrection means sin has been defeated, and believers are empowered to live righteous lives. “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin” (Romans 6:6).Justification Before God: Jesus’ resurrection secures your justification. “He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Romans 4:25).End of Condemnation: The resurrection assures believers that there is no condemnation in Christ. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).Peace with God: The resurrection brings peace with God. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).Assurance of God’s Faithfulness: The resurrection affirms God’s faithfulness to His promises. “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20).The Promise of Our Glorification: Just as Christ was glorified, we too will be glorified. “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).A Model of True Humanity: Jesus’ resurrected body reveals what true humanity is meant to be. “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:49).Restoration of the Earth: The resurrection signals the beginning of the restoration of all creation. “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19).Our Hope in Suffering: The resurrection assures that our suffering will lead to glory. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).Christ’s Eternal Reign: The resurrection guarantees Christ’s eternal kingship. “For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Romans 14:9).The Beginning of God’s Kingdom: The resurrection inaugurates the kingdom of God on earth. “The kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:21).The Return of Christ: The resurrection assures believers of Christ’s second coming. “And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds” (Matthew 24:31).The Hope of a New Heaven and Earth: The resurrection points to the creation of a new heaven and earth. “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).The Evidence of God’s Love for You: The resurrection affirms God’s ultimate demonstration of love. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).The Final Defeat of Evil: The resurrection marks the defeat of sin, Satan, and evil powers. “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Colossians 2:15).The Fulfillment of Prophecy: The resurrection fulfills God’s promises in Scripture. “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses” (Acts 2:32).A Call to Live a New Life: The resurrection calls you to live differently, empowered by the Spirit. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).A Living Hope: The resurrection gives believers a living hope that endures. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).A Firm Foundation for Faith: The resurrection anchors our faith in a risen Savior. “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).Our Present Hope Amidst Trials: The resurrection provides hope in the midst of present struggles. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).The Promise of New Bodies: The resurrection assures believers of receiving new, glorified bodies. “So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable” (1 Corinthians 15:42).Christ’s Victory Over the Powers of Darkness: The resurrection demonstrates Christ’s triumph over every power opposed to God. “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Colossians 2:15).The Foundation for Christian Hope: The resurrection is the bedrock of Christian hope, giving us certainty about the future. “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).The Reality of God’s Power: The resurrection showcases the unmatched power of God. “That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:20).The Defeat of Sin’s Power Over Us: Through the resurrection, sin’s power is broken. “For the death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God” (Romans 6:10).A Call to Praise: The resurrection calls us to praise and worship Christ for His victory. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).Reconciliation with God: The resurrection assures believers of complete reconciliation with God. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10).The Promise of God’s Presence: Through the resurrection, God’s presence is assured in our lives. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).The Sign of God’s Faithfulness: The resurrection is a sign of God’s faithfulness to His Word and promises. “He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence” (2 Corinthians 4:14).Victory Over the Grave: The resurrection declares that the grave has lost its power. “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).The Fulfillment of Christ’s Mission: The resurrection marks the fulfillment of Christ’s mission to save humanity. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me” (John 6:38).A New Purpose for Life: The resurrection gives believers a new purpose in life to live for Christ. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).The Foundation of Our Witness: The resurrection forms the foundation of Christian witness to the world. “And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).The Guarantee of Future Glory: The resurrection assures believers of the glory to come. “We are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:17).A Pattern for Transformation: The resurrection is the pattern for spiritual transformation in the believer’s life. “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5).A Victory Over Shame: The resurrection shows that shame and defeat have no place in Christ’s victory. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).The Call to Holiness: The resurrection calls us to live a life of holiness. “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).A New Relationship with the Father: The resurrection ushers us into a new, intimate relationship with God. “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18).The Final Judgment: The resurrection assures that there will be a final judgment, where Christ will reign as judge. “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22).The Power to Live a Christ-like Life: The resurrection empowers believers to live Christ-like lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).The Assurance of God’s Victory in the End: The resurrection assures believers that God will triumph over all things. “Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power” (1 Corinthians 15:24).The Hope of New Creation: The resurrection points to the ultimate renewal of all things, making all things new. “Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

Conclusion: In the end, the resurrection is not a mere doctrine to be studied, but a living truth that radically reshapes the way we see the world, ourselves, and our God. It is the reminder that what seems impossible is only a canvas for God’s power. As you reflect on these 50 truths, let them sink deep into your soul.  

Let the resurrection challenge your doubts, awaken your hope, and call you to a life marked by faith, transformation, and purpose. Because of the resurrection, we can live differently. We can walk with boldness in the face of fear, with peace amidst the storm, and with an unwavering hope that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. The resurrection is not a distant event; it is the present reality that makes everything new, even today.  

There are seasons of life when despair grips us. The weight of the world feels unbearable, the silence deafening, and the future uncertain. We may question where God is in those moments, why the darkness seems to last so long, or why the heaviness never lifts. But the encouraging reality is that despair is not foreign to the people of God, and neither is it without redemptive value.

Throughout Scripture, we find men and women of great faith who, at their lowest, cried out in despair. David, the man after God’s own heart, poured out his anguish in psalms of lament: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Ps. 13:1). Elijah, the prophet who called fire down from heaven, fled into the wilderness in fear, wishing for death: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life” (1 Kings 19:4). Even Jesus, the Son of God, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced a moment of profound sorrow: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matt. 26:38).

If even our Savior and these pillars of faith were not exempt from the anguish of despair, then neither are we. Despair does not signal a lack of faith; it is, in fact, a part of the human experience, even for the most faithful. It is a reminder that we live in a fallen world, where pain, grief, and loss are inevitable. But it is also a reminder that God does not abandon us in our despair— in fact, it may just be the crucible where God refines us.

Consider the example of Job, whose life was shattered by loss and suffering. In the midst of his despair, Job declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). Job’s despair did not lead him away from God—it led him to a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. His suffering, though incomprehensible in the moment, was woven into the larger tapestry of God’s redemptive plan. In the end, God restored Job, but it was through the valley of despair that Job’s faith grew, and his intimacy with God deepened.

The apostle Paul also speaks of despair in his own life, yet he says “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair” (2 Cor. 4:8). Despair, for Paul, was a reality he faced—but it did not define him. Even in the deepest struggles, there was hope.

For us, despair is not a sign that we are abandoned, nor does it mean that we have failed. When we allow it to drive us toward God, it enables us to discover his sufficiency as Paul said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Cor. 12:9). Our despair, when surrendered to God, becomes the soil in which transformation, dependence and humility grow.

For us, despair is neither a sign of abandonment nor a mark of failure. When we allow it to drive us to God, it becomes an opportunity to discover His adequacy. As Paul reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). When surrendered to God, our despair becomes the fertile soil in which transformation, dependence, and humility can flourish.

God does not waste our pain. He redeems it. The very struggles that threaten to undo us are the places where God can do His most profound work. So, when despair comes—and it will—remember that you are not alone. You are not the first, nor will you be the last, to walk this road.

Even in your darkest moments, God is at work, redeeming the brokenness and transforming it into something beautiful. Your despair is not the end. It is the beginning of deeper trust, deeper dependence, and deeper intimacy with the God who sees, knows, and loves you.

Pain. It’s not a word we often associate with purpose. Pain feels cruel, senseless, and unnecessary—a reality we would rather avoid. And yet, when it comes to God’s work in our lives, suffering becomes a tool in His hands, a chisel shaping us into the image of His Son.

The apostle Paul understood this truth when he wrote, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Rom. 5:3-4). Rejoice in suffering? It sounds impossible. But Paul wasn’t blind to pain. He was acquainted with it—shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, and betrayed. Still, he saw what we so often miss: God doesn’t waste our suffering. He works through it.

God’s goal is not our comfort; it is our transformation. Like a potter working clay, He shapes and molds us. And sometimes, the shaping is painful. The hard things in life—the losses we grieve, the disappointments we carry, the battles we fight—are the very tools He uses to form His character in us.

Consider the story of Joseph. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison—his life was marked by suffering. And yet, years later, Joseph looked back and declared to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20). Joseph’s trials were not meaningless. Through every hardship, God was preparing him for something greater—growing him into a man of integrity, wisdom, and faith.

The same is true for us. When life feels unfair and the weight of pain seems too much to bear, God is still working. He is not absent in the hardship; He is present in the process. He is shaping perseverance in place of weariness, faith in place of doubt, and hope in place of despair.

Jesus Himself walked this path. He knew what it was to suffer, to weep, to cry out in anguish. Isaiah called Him “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3). On the night before the cross, He fell to the ground and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). In His pain, Jesus surrendered to the Father’s will, and through His suffering, salvation came to the world.

This is the God who shapes us—one who does not stand aloof from our pain but enters into it. He is the God who uses what the enemy means for harm and turns it into good. He does not waste a tear, a trial, or a tragedy.

But what happens when we can’t see the good? When the shaping feels more like breaking? When the story God is writing feels too heavy to carry?

The answer is trust. Trust in the character of the One holding the chisel. Trust in the Potter who knows exactly what He’s doing. Trust in His promise that, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion” (Phil. 1:6).

God is not after shallow growth or quick fixes. He is after depth—roots that can withstand the storms, faith that doesn’t crumble under pressure, and character that reflects Christ.

And when the shaping is done, when we look back on the trials that seemed too hard to endure, we will see His fingerprints on every moment. We will say with Joseph, “God meant it for good.”

Reckless. It’s not a word we often associate with God. Recklessness seems careless, impulsive, even foolish. Yet when it comes to describing the love of God, human language strains to find the right word. And so, we borrow reckless—not because God is careless, but because His love defies logic, shatters expectations, and looks foolish to the watching world.

Jesus told a parable to explain this kind of love: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4).

The math doesn’t add up. Ninety-nine safe sheep, and one foolish wanderer. From a practical standpoint, it seems irresponsible to leave the majority behind for the sake of one. But this is not practical love—it is relentless love. It is the love of a Shepherd who refuses to accept loss, who pursues the lost sheep with singular focus, and who rejoices more over its return than over the ninety-nine that never strayed.

This is the reckless love of God. It is love that leaves safety to step into danger. It is love that spends itself extravagantly without stopping to count the cost. It is love that looks like madness to those who don’t understand it.

Consider Jesus at a Pharisee’s dinner table in Luke 7:36-50. A woman, known only by her sin, enters the house. Uninvited. Unwanted. She kneels before Jesus, weeping, and pours out a jar of expensive perfume to anoint His feet. With every tear she sheds, she wipes His feet with her hair. The Pharisees recoil in judgment, thinking, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is.”

But Jesus knows. He knows her past, her shame, and her reputation. And He does not recoil. Instead, He receives her offering as an act of love and forgives her sin. Reckless love sees what others reject. It embraces the outcast, the sinner, and the unworthy without hesitation.

And at the cross, the reckless love of God finds its fullest expression. Paul writes, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). While we were still sinners. Not when we were cleaned up, deserving, or ready. God’s love moved toward us when we were at our worst. He didn’t wait for us to come home; He pursued us to the farthest places.

What kind of love is this? Who would sacrifice everything for those who rejected Him? Who would endure the agony of the cross for the sake of the unfaithful? Only a love that is unrelenting. Only a love that holds nothing back.

The reckless love of God doesn’t calculate risk; it lavishes grace. It doesn’t ask whether you’re worthy; it declares that you are loved. It doesn’t stop halfway; it goes all the way to a rugged cross and an empty tomb.

And this love is for you. No matter how far you have wandered or how unworthy you feel, the Shepherd pursues you. The Father runs to meet you. The Savior stretches out His scarred hands that shout: “I love you.”

Safety is a word we often cling to. We long for protection from harm, security amidst chaos, and refuge when life becomes unsteady. But true safety—the kind that calms both heart and soul—cannot be measured in locks on doors or escape routes. It is a safety beyond circumstances, a safety revealed in the person of Jesus.

The psalmist says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). Notice the language: God is present. Not distant, not conditional, but right here with us. He doesn’t stand at a distance and shout directions on how to be safe. He enters the storm. He sits in the boat. He holds us fast.

In Jesus, this promise of safety takes on flesh. Think of the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, fear etched on their faces as the wind howled and waves threatened to capsize their boat. In the terror, Jesus slept (Mark 4:35-41). To a frantic world, this may seem careless. But his sleep was not neglect—it was peace. The Prince of Peace was present with them, even before the storm was calmed. When the disciples woke him, Jesus didn’t chastise their fear. He simply spoke: “Peace! Be still!” And the waters obeyed. Safety was never in the absence of the storm; it was in the presence of the One who commands it.

This is the kind of safety we find in Jesus. It is not always the removal of the storm, the healing of the sickness, or the absence of uncertainty. It is his presence with us in the midst of it all.

Consider Jesus’ words in John 10:28: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” This is not conditional safety. It is not based on our ability to cling to him. Instead, it rests on his firm grasp on us. The good news is this: we are held in the hands of the One who defeated death itself.

And this safety is not just for eternity; it is for the here and now. Jesus showed this time and again as he walked with those in peril. He touched the untouchable leper (Mark 1:40-42), sat with sinners rejected by society (Luke 19:1-10), and healed a woman who trembled in fear (Luke 8:43-48). The safety he offered was holistic—it embraced body, mind, and soul. It broke through cultural barriers, personal shame, and mortal fear.

This is the safety of God—not immunity from trouble, but intimacy in the midst of it. We may not always know how the story will unfold, but we know the One who holds the pen. And in his hands, we are safe.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
—Psalm 139:7

There are moments in life when we feel as if we are lost—lost in the vastness of the world, in the depths of our own hearts, in the ache of unspoken sorrow. There are places, both physical and emotional, that seem to be too distant for anyone to reach, too dark for anyone to see. But the psalmist tells us it’s not so: Even there, God is with us. Even in the most hidden, remote, or desolate spaces of life, the presence of God is unfailing. His Spirit does not falter; His reach does not end.

The psalmist asks a question that speaks to the deepest corners of our souls: Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? It’s a question driven by experiencing a sense of God’s absence and knowing what its like to feel isolated and alone. Yet, the truth remains: There is no place where God is not.

When we are in the highest places of joy, or standing on the mountaintops of our achievements, God is there. “If I go up to the heavens, you are there…” (v. 8). God is present in our triumphs, in our moments of clarity, when the world feels right, and our hearts are full. In the moments when we feel the wind at our backs and the light of His favor shining down, God’s presence is a constant companion.

Yet the psalmist doesn’t just speak of the heights. He continues: If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. (v. 8). There are places so low, so dark, so seemingly unreachable that they seem to swallow us whole. The depths might refer to the seas, but they also refer to our deepest pains, our lowest moments. Maybe it’s the pain of loss, the crushing weight of grief, or the sense of abandonment in the broken places of our hearts. Maybe it’s the isolation of depression or the despair of a wayward soul. But even there, God’s presence is constant, His hand is near, and His heart is full of mercy.

Even there, God’s love reaches us. Even in the farthest, most dismal places of our hearts, where we may feel unworthy or unlovable, God’s presence does not waver. He does not turn His face away from our suffering. If anything, His presence is most keenly felt in our darkest hours. His light shines brightest in the places where we are most tempted to believe that darkness has overtaken us.

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (v. 9-10). The wings of dawn speak to the expanse of time and space. The far side of the sea points to the furthest, most distant corners of the earth. No matter how far we go—physically or emotionally—there is no place beyond God’s reach. Whether we are on the edge of the world or in the place of our most hidden longings, even there, His hand is guiding us. He is steadying us, holding us, keeping us safe.

It is remarkable, isn’t it? That God’s hand is as near in our joy as it is in our sorrow. His presence does not change based on our circumstances. In the light, He is with us; in the shadow, He remains by our side.

The psalmist continues, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you” (v. 11-12). Darkness, in its deepest sense, is the place where we fear we may disappear, where our pain may overwhelm us beyond recognition, and where we are convinced that no one can see us—not even God. But the psalmist assures us that even in our deepest darkness, God sees us clearly. The night does not hide us from His gaze. The hidden places of our soul are not too concealed for His love to find us. Even there, in the blackest night, in the most overwhelming sense of despair, God’s light shines.

So, no matter where you are today—whether you are basking in the warmth of God’s love or you find yourself in the coldest, darkest corners of your heart—remember this: Even there, God is with you.

Comparison. It’s a thief that robs us of joy and clouds the unique purpose God has for each of us. It sneaks in quietly when we look at someone else’s life—at their success, their gifts, their story—and wonder, What about me?

Peter had a moment like this with Jesus. After the resurrection, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus restored Peter’s calling with three simple words: “Follow me” (John 21:19). It was a profound moment—Jesus reaffirming Peter’s role after his devastating denial. But Peter, like us, was prone to distraction. Turning, he saw John following behind and asked, “Lord, what about this man?” (John 21:21).

Jesus’ response was both firm and freeing: “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22). What is that to you? Jesus’ words cut through Peter’s comparison and reoriented his focus. Peter wanted to know God’s plan for John, but Jesus reminded him that John’s path was not Peter’s concern. God had a specific, planned, and purposed path for Peter—one that required his undivided trust and obedience.

We live in a world that constantly invites us to measure our lives against others. We scroll through highlights and wonder why their story seems easier, more successful, or more significant than ours. Like Peter, we find ourselves asking, What about them? Why is their journey different? Why do they have what I lack?

But God’s answer remains the same: “What is that to you? You follow me.” God’s purpose for your life is not a generic, one-size-fits-all plan. It is specific. It is intentional. It is crafted with care by the One who knows you better than you know yourself. Paul writes, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). Your path—the one God has prepared for you—does not depend on someone else’s calling. It is uniquely yours.

When comparison whispers, What about them? let God’s voice be louder: “What is that to you? I am leading you.” He is the God who writes your story—one that is specific, planned, and purposed for His glory and your good.