Jesus in Christianity

==Resurrection, Ascension, and Second Coming==
{{Main|Resurrection of Jesus|Ascension of Jesus|Second Coming of Christ}}
{{See also|Resurrection of Jesus in Christian art|Ascension of Jesus in Christian art}}
[[File:Rafael - ressureicaocristo01.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Depictions of the Resurrection of Jesus are [[Resurrection of Jesus in Christian art|central to Christian art]] (''[[Resurrection of Christ (Raphael)|Resurrection of Christ]]'' by [[Raphael]], 1499–1502).]]
The New Testament teaches that the Resurrection of Jesus is a foundation of the Christian faith.<ref>{{bibleverse|1cor|15:12-20||1 Cor 15:12-20}}, {{bibleverse|1Peter|1:3|HCSB|1 Pet 1:3}}</ref> Christians, through [[Faith in Christianity|faith]] in the working of God<ref>{{bibleverse|Colossians|2:12||Col 2:12}}</ref> are spiritually resurrected with Jesus, and are [[Redeemer (Christianity)|redeemed]] so that they may walk in a new way of life.<ref>{{bibleverse|Rom|6:4}}</ref>

In the teachings of the [[Apostolic Age|apostolic Church]], the Resurrection was seen as heralding a [[World to Come|new era]]. Forming a theology of the Resurrection fell to [[Apostle Paul]]. It was not enough for Paul to simply repeat elementary teachings, but as {{bibleverse|Hebrews|6:1|NIV}} states, "go beyond the initial teachings about Christ and advance to maturity". Fundamental to Pauline theology is the connection between Christ's Resurrection and redemption.<ref>''The creed: the apostolic faith in contemporary theology'' by Berard L. Marthaler 2007 {{ISBN|0-89622-537-2}} page 361</ref> Paul explained the importance of the Resurrection of Jesus as the cause and basis of the hope of Christians to share a similar experience in {{bibleverse|1cor|15:20-22|NIV|1 Cor 15:20-22}}:
<blockquote>
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.</blockquote>

If the cross stands at the center of Paul's theology, so does the Resurrection: unless the one died the death of ''all'', the ''all'' would have little to celebrate in the Resurrection of the one.<ref>Dunn, James D. G. ''Theology of Paul the Apostle''. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2003. {{ISBN|978-0802844231}}. p. 235</ref> Paul taught that, just as Christians share in Jesus' death in baptism, so they will share in his Resurrection<ref name = "Ehrman 2006"/> for Jesus was designated the Son of God by his Resurrection.<ref>{{bibleverse|Rom.|1:4}}</ref><ref name = "Ehrman 2006">Ehrman, Bart. Peter, Paul, and Mary Magdalene: The Followers of Jesus in History and Legend. Oxford University Press, USA. 2006. {{ISBN|0-19-530013-0}}</ref> Paul's views went against the thoughts of the Greek philosophers to whom a bodily resurrection meant a new imprisonment in a corporeal body, which was what they wanted to avoid, given that for them the corporeal and the material fettered the spirit.<ref>Reichelt, Karl Ludvig and Sverre Holth. ''Meditation and Piety in the Far East'', 2004. {{ISBN|0-227-17235-3}} p.30</ref> At the same time, Paul believed that the newly resurrected body would be a [[spiritual body]]—immortal, glorified and powerful, in contrast to an earthly body which is mortal, dishonored and weak.<ref>{{Bibleref2|1cor|15:42-49||1 Corinthians 15:42-49}}</ref>

The [[Apostolic Fathers]], discussed the death and Resurrection of Jesus, including [[Ignatius of Antioch|Ignatius]] (50−115),<ref>Ignatius makes many passing references, but two extended discussions are found in the [[Letter to the Trallians]] and the [[Letter to the Smyrnaeans]].</ref> [[Polycarp]] (69−155), and [[Justin Martyr]] (100−165).<ref>''Dialogue with Trypho'', critical edition by Philippe Bobichon : ''Dialogue avec Tryphon''. Vol. I, Editions universitaires de Fribourg, 2003, 45, 1-4 [https://www.academia.edu/7280008/JUSTIN_MARTYR_Dialogue_avec_Tryphon_Dialogue_with_Trypho_%C3%A9dition_critique_VOLUME_I_Introduction_Texte_grec_Traduction_Coll_Paradosis_%C3%A9ditions_universitaires_de_Fribourg_Suisse_no_47_1_2003_563_pages online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402145537/https://www.academia.edu/7280008/JUSTIN_MARTYR_Dialogue_avec_Tryphon_Dialogue_with_Trypho_%C3%A9dition_critique_VOLUME_I_Introduction_Texte_grec_Traduction_Coll_Paradosis_%C3%A9ditions_universitaires_de_Fribourg_Suisse_no_47_1_2003_563_pages |date=2021-04-02 }}</ref> Following the [[Constantine I and Christianity|conversion of Constantine]] and the liberating [[Edict of Milan]] in 313, the [[First seven Ecumenical Councils|ecumenical councils]] of the 4th, 5th and 6th centuries, that focused on Christology helped shape the Christian understanding of the redemptive nature of Resurrection, and influenced both the development of its iconography, and its use within [[liturgy]].<ref>''The Resurrection and the icon'' by Michel Quenot 1998 {{ISBN|0-88141-149-3}} page 72</ref>