April 6, 2004

THE PRINCE OF LIFE

"[You] killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses" (Acts 3:15, NKJV).

This princely title is loaded with spiritual significance, Christ is the Prince of life, because He is the life-giver. The word Peter employs in his description of Christ is more appropriately rendered "author," "originator," or "founder."

In his denunciation of those who crucified Christ, Peter charged them with killing the "Author of life." Christ is vindicated and exalted because as the originator of life, He rose triumphantly from the grave. By that act, He destroyed the power of death forever. In His public ministry, Jesus Himself repeatedly asserted His claim to be the originator of life (see John 3:14, 15; 1 John 5:11, 12). As the Prince of life, He declared, "I am the resurrection, and the life (John 11:25). Of Him, it is said: "In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived."--The Desire of Ages, p. 530. The Prince of life is the one from whom life and salvation flow. Only by His voluntary consent could He have been crucified.

In Peter's portrayal of the murder of the Prince of life, there is a high note of triumph. He declares, "You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead" (Acts 3:15, NIV). He is alive forevermore! The Prince of life exercised divine power and arose from the dead at the command of His heavenly Father. The announcement of victory is that the Prince of life is exalted at God's right hand to give life to all who believe on Him. Here is more good news about the Prince of life: "Jesus, the Prince of life, gave all to bring salvation within our reach... He suffered even unto death, that He might give us eternal life."--The Adventist Home, p. 480.

My Prayer Today: Lord, the good news of the Prince of life fills me with assurance. Through Him, I can claim the promise of eternal life. Amen.