Did Christ Rise by Himself? The Meaning of John 5:26

Christ did not rise "by Himself" in the sense of independence from the Father, but He had His own divine authority to take up His life again. The Bible simultaneously teaches that the Father raised Jesus, that the resurrection was accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that the Son Himself had the authority to take up His life again. These are not three distinct, contradictory events, but a single act of the Triune God.

Life in Himself: The Meaning of John 5:26

Jesus said that the Father "granted" the Son to have life in Himself. These words do not mean that Christ was created and later received divinity. In Sacred Scripture, life "in Himself" belongs only to God: this is aseity, that is, self-existent life that does not depend on any created being or external source.

“For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” John 5:26

The word "granted" describes the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son and the Son's mission as the Messiah, not the beginning of Christ's existence. The Son is eternal God, of one being with the Father. He does not live by the sustenance of another being, as we do. Christ is the Source of life. Therefore, He was able to conquer death not as a helpless victim, but as the Lord who voluntarily laid down His life for sinners.

Jesus Had Authority to Take Up His Life Again

Jesus explicitly proclaimed His voluntary sacrifice. No one could take His life against His will. He laid it down in fulfillment of the Father’s redemptive plan, and He had the authority to take it up again.

“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” John 10:17–18

It is important to read the entire statement, not just the phrase about authority. Christ did not act independently of the Father: He received this command from the Father. Thus, His resurrection demonstrates not the Son’s independence from the Father, but the perfect unity of will, love, and action within the Godhead.

The Father Raised Jesus

Apostolic preaching consistently declares that God raised Jesus. In such passages, the term "God" usually refers specifically to the Father. The resurrection was God's response to Christ's sacrifice, His victory over death, and the vindication of the Savior's righteousness.

“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.” Acts 2:32

Paul also explains that the resurrection of Christ declared Him to be the powerful Son of God.

“and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 1:4

Therefore, the statement "God raised Jesus" does not contradict Christ's own words regarding His authority. It shows that the cross and the resurrection are the shared redemptive work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit Was at Work in the Resurrection

The Holy Spirit was not a passive observer of the resurrection either. The same Spirit who raised Jesus is the guarantee of the future resurrection of believers. This gives Christ’s resurrection a personal and practical significance for every Christian.

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Romans 8:11

Seventh-day Adventists affirm the biblical truth of the full divinity of Christ and the reality of His bodily death. On the cross, Jesus truly died as a human being; it was not a feigned death. Yet His divine nature could not cease to exist or undergo death. Ellen White, describing the resurrection in the book The Desire of Ages, emphasizes that Christ came forth from the tomb at the call of the Father. At the same time, her explanation aligns with Jesus' words: He had the authority to take up again the life He had laid down.

Conclusion and Practical Application

The right answer is this: Christ did not rise independently of the Father, but as the eternal Son of God, He possessed the authority to take up His life again. The Father raised the Son, the Holy Spirit worked in the resurrection, and the Son voluntarily conquered death. All Persons of the Godhead acted in complete harmony for our salvation.

In practical life, this brings profound hope. If Christ conquered the grave, death does not have the final word over those who trust in Him. When you face fear, loss, or your own spiritual weakness, turn in prayer to the risen Savior. Ask that the Spirit who raised Jesus would revive your faith, grant you strength to overcome sin, and reinforce your hope in the coming resurrection.