It’s the age-old argument, Jesus was a great teacher, a prophet, a philosopher, a revolutionary and even a sacrifice for men’s sins. The simple truth is that while all those adjectives accurately describe the Lord; it remains most important that we realize that Jesus was GOD, and Jesus rose from the dead.
There has been controversy regarding the resurrection since the 3rd day. But, Jesus rose physically from the dead on the third day and was seen by over 500 folks during the time He remained on earth. If Christ did not rise from the dead, all that we say or do to worship and maintain relationship with God is a lie.
Without a resurrection, Christ died for nothing. Men have continued to sin; the world has continued to push to eradicate God from the culture. The enemy has continued to use fear to lie and cheat us out of the relationship God wants to have with us. The resurrection was the crucial event that put Christ on the throne for the glory of God.
My favorite passage in scripture is Philippians 2:5-11. Paul tells us to have the same attitude as Christ. In verse 9, Paul reminds us that after Christ’s death, “Then God exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Jesus a name that is above every name. So, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow; in Heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father!”
One cannot worship a dead king. Oh, we can honor a dead leader, we can hold special esteem for them. We have watched the UK celebrate the life of the late queen Elizabeth with reverence and love. Still, one cannot follow a dead leader. That is why Charles now is the King of England.
No, what sets Jesus apart, and what gives us hope is the truth that Jesus is in fact alive. He is at God’s right-hand interceding for us, His chosen. He will lead us through this journey and for eternity. We must trust by faith that there was an actual physical resurrection, or we are foolishly chasing a spiritual unicorn. Do not let the world or the enemy take from you the truth of the resurrection, or the beauty of an empty tomb.
God Bless You
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.”[c] Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”[d]
33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”[e] 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
Walking With God 