Jesus’ Resurrection
If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile, you are still in your sins! 1 Corinthians 15:17
How important is the truth that Jesus arose from the dead? Jesus’ resurrection is a vital truth! Indeed, Paul informs us that “if Christ is not risen” our faith as Christians is “futile,” that is false and worthless! We would still be left in sin!
Our Christian faith is based upon a promise by God, first voiced in the garden. There God promised to send the Seed of the woman whose heel Satan would bruise, but who in turn would crush Satan’s head (Genesis 3:15). Had Jesus not risen from the dead, Satan would have won that battle for our souls, but that is not the case!
The Bible, which is the inspired and inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21), contains more than three hundred prophecies foretelling Jesus’ person and work. Among those three hundred are powerful prophecies, which the apostles cited under the Spirit’s guidance as foretelling His resurrection.
David says the LORD told His promised Savior: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance” (Psalm 2:7-8). Paul cites these verses and specifically David’s use of the word “begotten” to refer to Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 13:33-34). Paul, then, cites more of David’s words to confirm the vital truth of Jesus’ resurrection: “You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption” (Psalm 16:10).
Jesus’ resurrection was foretold in Old Testament times, so that when it happened, we might know that our Savior God had fulfilled His plan for our salvation! God does not want us to live in fear or with guilt. No, His “perfect love” is intended to cast out all fear from our hearts, so that we might live before Him with confidence! Indeed, Jesus’ resurrection is a vital truth for you and for me!
Jesus lives! I know full well naught from me His love shall sever.
Life nor death nor powers of hell part me now from Christ forever.
God will be a sure Defense; This shall be my confidence. Amen.
The Lutheran Hymnal 201:4