April 7, 2024 Genesis 1:26-31 Psalm 139:13-16 Easter 2 The resurrection of Jesus Christ has implications for our whole selves – our bodies, minds, and souls. Who we are - every part of our being - is wrapped up in being created in the image of God and is tied up in Christ's life, death, and resurrection. From the beginning of humanity, we have been declared “good” by God. Do we always act “good?” Certainly not, but God called what God created, you, “good,” so you are good regardless of what you or others may say about you. You are “good” regardless of your actual or perceived flaws. You are “good” regardless of what others may say about you. You are “good” regardless of what you say about yourself. In a world that often demands that we filter ourselves through the lens of what popular culture demands, God says you are good to go. This is because we know that God loves you just as you are and that God loves you too much to leave you just as you are. When I say, “God loves you too much, leave you just as you are,” I am saying that God is making you more and more like Christ. Is God making us into the Saviors of the world? No. We already have one of those and live our life, died our death, and in his resurrection, we find hope for not just eternity with God but for the fullness of physical life. The promise of bodily resurrection is the continuation, a divine “Amen!” from the One who created us and declared us to be “good.” Get full access to Brewing Theology at teerhardy.substack.com/subscribe