If Christ Did Not Resurrect
Jesus Christ, the Son of God descended from heaven to Earth in human form to preach the Gospel of repentance and reconciliation. He did this so that we may become unified with God, and live to glorify himself. Jesus surrendered to death by crucifixion at the hands of Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, and defeating the power of death he resurrected as it was foretold he would. But what if Christ remained deceased in the tomb?
Last Sunday was Resurrection Sunday, where Pastor Febby preached six points about the importance of Christ’s resurrection, from 1 Corinthians 15.
If Christ had not resurrected…
Today’s Preaching Would be Useless
Jesus’ resurrection is the bedrock of the Christian faith. Everything in Christianity culminates around Jesus’ death and resurrection so if Christ had remained in his tomb, defeated by death, what would differentiate him from other gods? Jesus would not have fulfilled the prophesy (Psalm 16:10) of his death and resurrection, and the Christian faith would have no integrity.
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith," (1 Corinthians 15:14)
Our Faith Would be in Vain
Without this central belief, our faith in Jesus as the Son of God - our Saviour, Creator and Redeemer - is foolish. Christ’s divinity was confirmed when he resurrected from the dead. In Romans 1:4, the apostle Paul says that “through the Spirit of holiness [Jesus] was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead”. Furthermore, our faith would not encompass the restorative and transformative power that is has, because of Jesus.
The Disciples would have been Deceivers
If Christ remained in the tomb, the disciples and those who witnessed the resurrected Christ (Matthew 28:1-10) would have been false witnesses. The disciples would have continued a hoax about Christ.
“More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about our God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead,” (1 Corinthians 15:15)
Thankfully this is untrue. Christ surely did resurrect from the dead. He was seen (John 20:18), and spoken to and even engaged in the sharing of food (John 21:13-14).
Sin would be Sovereign
Christians would be enslaved by sin without any way to escape its hold. The Satan (or enemy) would have its way in our hearts and lives, and the power of Christ would not have been able to defeat it.
“And if Christ had not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins,” (1 Corinthians 15:17)
Death would have Dominion
Praise God that Christ could not be defeated by death. So too shall we as Christians overcome the finality of death by believing in and confessing Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. If death had dominion, then only our life on Earth would matter. There would be no hope in the Kingdom of God, or eternal life.
“…those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied,” (1 Corinthians 15:18-19)
The Future would be Futile
If Christ did not resurrect, we would have no hope. Our days would be lived for day-to-day purposes only. There would be no inheritance to come, no future heaven to await patiently and eagerly for. No chance of coming face to face with Christ, our Lord. We praise God that there is an eternal hope that we look to. Even when we must undergo the challenges and brokenness of this world, we don’t lose our hope or sense of joy because of what Christ overcame on our behalf.
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending your Son to die for our sins and to resurrect on the third day. Because of Jesus we can have reconciliation to you. Thank you for the hope we have in Jesus’ return, and in the Kingdom of God.
Amen