To be saved, we must not only believe in the resurrection, but believe in our hearts "that God raised [Jesus] from the dead" (Rm 10:9). To be saved, we must have a deep faith in Jesus' resurrection. Our faith in the resurrection should be so strong that, if necessary, we will suffer torture and death for our faith (see 2 Mc 7:1ff). Our resurrection-faith should be so deep that "death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54).

However, the devil fights to keep us from having a deep faith in the resurrection. For instance, he undermined the faith of some Corinthians by deceiving them into thinking they would not rise (1 Cor 15:12ff). He upset the faith of some Ephesians with false teaching about the resurrection (2 Tm 2:18). The devil also confused some Thessalonians about the resurrection (see 1 Thes 4:13). Because a deep faith in the resurrection is essential to salvation, we wage a great spiritual war over faith in the resurrection. For example, when Paul mentioned the resurrection during one of his trials, a riot broke out in the courtroom (Acts 23:6-10).

Will you win the war over faith in the resurrection? Will you have the deep faith in the resurrection necessary for salvation? Protect yourself from the subtle influence of secular humanism which undermines our faith. Read, pray, and live God's word, by which we grow in faith (see Rm 10:17). Confess with your lips and in your life that Jesus is Lord (Rm 10:9). Then you will have deep resurrection-faith.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2010

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