HE'S ALIVE!

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

The greatest event in human history is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  While the world downplays this event by hiding eggs and buying spring clothing, Christians should be excited about the Lord's resurrection.

I find that too many "believers" are indifferent about the resurrection of Jesus.  On my Facebook page, I recently posted this quote by Pastor Ed Litton:  "Many of us do not deny that Jesus rose from the dead, we just don't live like He did."  How tragic!  Most church members act more like pagans than Christians. 

Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important?  Why should Christians be energized and vocal about the empty tomb?  Let me give you some reasons to treat the resurrection of Jesus seriously:

1.  IT VALIDATES THE CLAIMS OF JESUS

Jesus claimed to be the Son of God.  The Bible teaches us that Jesus was God in the flesh.  Certainly the miracles of Jesus validates His claims, but His resurrection is the ultimate proof that Jesus is all that He claimed to be.

2.  IT PROVES THAT JESUS' DEATH IS SUFFICIENT PAYMENT FOR SIN

Secondly, the resurrection of Jesus shows us that His death upon the cross is sufficient payment for our sin.  The empty tomb proves that our sin debt has been paid in full.  Jesus' crucifixion on Calvary has satisfied the righteous demands of a holy God.

3.  IT VERIFIES THAT DEATH HAS BEEN DEFEATED

Next, the resurrection of Jesus proves that death has been defeated.  Death could not hold Jesus down.  Jesus is greater than the power of death.  Jesus has taken the sting of death away.  That's why Paul could write, " O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor. 15:55)

4.  IT IS VITAL FOR OUR SALVATION

Paul wrote, "...  if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins." (1 Cor. 15:17).  Jesus died to pay for our sins, but He could not stay dead.  Jesus died and rose again so that sinners, who are dead in trespasses and sins, may be brought to life.  Without Jesus' resurrection, our faith would be limited to this miserable life. Because of the resurrection, we have eternal life, not just temporal life.  Paul wrote, "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." (Romans 5:10).

5.  IT PAVES THE WAY FOR OUR RESURRECTION

Because Jesus rose again from the grave, the future resurrection of believers is guaranteed.  Paul wrote, "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." (1 Cor. 15:20).  When a follower of Jesus dies physically, we have the assurance that he or she will live again.  In 2 Thessalonians 4:14, Paul wrote, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."  Pagans may believe that they will experience some kind of "happy afterlife," but only the Christian has a guarantee of a better life beyond the grave.  That guarantee is based on the resurrection of Jesus.

6.  THE RESURRECTION DEMONSTRATES GOD'S POWER

The resurrection of Jesus is relevant to our lives right now.  His resurrection demonstrates His incredible power.  This should give us great confidence to stand on His Word.  Additionally, the resurrection should make us realize that nothing is too hard for God.  The laws of nature do not bind God.  If He so chooses, at any time He may operate outside the laws of nature.  We call these acts, "miracles."  There are times we need miracles.  When we think of the resurrection, our faith in God should grow stronger.

The resurrection of Jesus impacts every facet of our lives.  The Christian faith hinges on the resurrection of Jesus.  Our God is bigger and stronger than death. 

Jesus is alive and well.  Do you know Him?