I would encourage you to read all of 1Cor15, because the entire chapter talks of the resurrection. However, for the sake of space, we will look at verses 15-16: “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” Jesus did not pass out, faint, or swoon on the cross. He died. He was toe-tag dead, graveyard dead, don’t bother calling the ambulance dead. The entirety of Christianity exists on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. People that faint wake up. People that are dead must be resurrected. If Jesus didn’t die, then He wasn’t resurrected - and we are without hope. But, of course, Jesus did rise from the dead; the tomb is empty; and He forever lives! This is essential Christianity 101. If you don’t believe Jesus physically died on the cross, was literally buried in the tomb, and bodily resurrected on the third day - then you are no Christian.
The resurrection of the dead is a foundational doctrine (Heb 6:2). Everyone who has ever lived will be resurrected - the only question is, which resurrection will you be in? The resurrection of the just, or of the unjust? The first, which is unto eternal life, or the second, which is unto eternal damnation? You want to make real sure you get this answer right, because there are no “do-overs” (Jn 5:29, Act 24:15, Rev 20, Heb 11:35).
To preach the Gospel is to preach the resurrection (1Cor 15:1-4, Acts 4:2, 33; 13:29-30; 17:18, 32). Why preach the resurrection? Why is it so important? Because if He be risen, then He was Who He said He was, which means He will do what He said He would do, which means we would be wise to listen up and obey what He says - ALL of what He says. The power of the resurrection declared Him to be the Son of God (Rom 1:4).
Belief in the resurrection of Jesus is so important, you can’t be saved if you don’t believe it (Rom 10:9-11). By the way: If you today are not believing in your heart that Jesus is resurrected from the dead, and today confessing with your mouth His Lordship (both require action), then you are not righteous, and therefore not saved, no matter what prayer you may have repeated X number of years ago. How do I know this? The tenses of the Greek words in these three verses. I will include them here (aorist [one time, completed], present [continual and habitual, ongoing], and future). “(Rom 10:9-11) That if thou shalt confess (one time) with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe (one time) in thine heart that God hath raised (one time) him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (future). For with the heart man believeth (continually and habitually) unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession (continually and habitually) is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith (continually and habitually), Whosoever believeth (continually and habitually) on him shall not be ashamed (future).” If that one-time prayer for salvation was real, then there will be fruit and a continuation in things of God today (1Jn 2:18-19).
Some other resurrection realities are: Father God raised Christ Jesus from the dead (Act 2:24, 32; 3:15, 26; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; Rom 4:24; Eph 1:20; Col 2:12). God will reward us for giving to those who cannot give back (Lk 14:14); We are saved from wrath (1Thess 1:10); We are justified (declared righteous in God’s sight) (Rom 4:25); We have new life (Rom 6:4); We are joined to Christ, to bring forth fruit to God (Rom 7:4); We have an Intercessor (Rom 8:34); We have been given faith and a living hope (1Pt 1:3, 21); We have assurance of our resurrection (1Cor 6:14, 2Cor 4:14, Jn 11:24-25); His Spirit gives life to our mortal bodies (Rom 8:11); We sit in heavenly places (Eph 2:6); We are given eternal life (Lk 20:34-36, Rom 6:5, 1Pt 3:21, Col 3:1); Jesus will come again to judge the earth in righteousness (Act 17:31). All of these are realities of the resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Some might say, “Well, you can’t absolutely prove Jesus rose from the dead.” True, but you can’t prove He didn’t. The evidence for His resurrection is far greater than the evidence against it. The burden of proof lies on the skeptic to disprove His resurrection - not on the believer to prove it. Notable Christians have been converted by trying to disprove the resurrection of Jesus! Have you really examined the evidence?
There are lots of proofs for the resurrection, but think on this: If the disciples had His body, would they have all (except one) gone to horrible martyrs’ deaths for a known lie? If Rome had His body, would they have allowed their kingdom to be turned upside down by these Christians? If the Jews had His body, would they have allowed the message of a false Messiah to sweep through their own nation, and risk their own demise? Why is it that no one could ever produce His body? It’s real simple: Because Jesus was - and is - truly risen and alive. How can I be so sure? Because I know Him personally. His Spirit lives in me. I talk to Him every day, and He talks to me. I am a friend of God. We have fellowship together. So, I know He is alive - do you?
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