Though We Are Saved by Christ’s Death and Resurrection, No One Can Die or Rise Again Without First Being Born!

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if Jesus had come into the world in an entirely supernatural way? Imagine a radiant young man, with flawless hair and a glowing face, walking the streets of Capernaum and Galilee, his feet never touching the ground. Picture Him constantly multiplying bread and fish and speaking exclusively in the language of heaven. While this might evoke wonder, it would undoubtedly leave us with more questions than answers. Some might even struggle with the mystery of His divine origin, especially as He would have come into the world without the natural process of conception and birth. But praise be to God, who in His wisdom chose to send Jesus in a way that identified Him fully with humanity, ensuring that heaven’s message could reach the ends of the earth!

Perhaps this perspective is new to you, or maybe it invites you to reflect on it afresh. Throughout the years of hearing the gospel—messages of repentance and forgiveness—I have observed that while many preachers focus on Christ’s death and resurrection, fewer emphasize His birth. Yet, if our salvation comes through His death and resurrection, why should we spend time teaching about His birth?

Consider the lyrics of a beloved hymn 424 from Rwanda: “I praise the cross, I praise the noble tomb, but most of all, I praise the Lord Jesus.”

The hymn writer rightly exalts Jesus above all but does not overlook the cross where He was crucified or the tomb where He was buried. Though we are not saved by the cross or the tomb themselves, they signify the fulfillment of Scripture—that He would be crucified (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53:12) and buried (Isaiah 53:9). Similarly, though we are reconciled to God through Jesus’ death (Romans 5:10) and granted eternal life through His resurrection (1 Peter 1:3-4; John 11:25-26), it is essential to remember that His death and resurrection were preceded by His birth. Truly, we can declare with gratitude: praise be to God that Jesus was born so that He could die—for us.

Reflection and Lesson

It would have been perplexing if Jesus had appeared on earth fully formed, like the three angels who visited Abraham (Genesis 18:1-2), and later died without first being born. Yet His birth fulfilled prophecies from Isaiah, Micah, and Jeremiah that foretold the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Micah 5:2; Jeremiah 23:5). The fact that His death and resurrection were preceded by His birth reveals God’s deliberate and orderly plan.

If there is a prophecy spoken over your life, continue to trust and believe that it will come to pass if it truly comes from God (Deuteronomy 18:21-22; Jeremiah 28:9). And if challenges arise along the way, remember to pray as Jesus taught: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Just as God worked through a divine order—birth, death, and resurrection—so too will He work in His perfect sequence in your life. It is as impossible for resurrection to precede death as it is for death to precede birth. Trust that God’s plan for you will unfold step by step, accomplishing His purpose in you.

Maranatha—The Lord Jesus Is Coming Soon!