The Reality of the Resurrection

As Vice-President, George H. W. Bush represented the U.S. at the funeral of former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Bush was deeply moved by a silent protest carried out by Brezhnev's widow. She stood motionless by the coffin until seconds before it was closed.

Then, just as the soldiers touched the lid, Brezhnev's wife performed an act of great courage and hope, a gesture that must surely rank as one of the most profound acts of civil disobedience ever committed: She reached down and made the sign of the cross on her husband's chest.

There in the citadel of secular, atheistic power, the wife of the man who had run it all hoped that her husband was wrong. She hoped that there was another life, and that that life was best represented by Jesus who died on the cross, and that the same Jesus might yet have mercy on her husband. -Gary Thomas, Christian Times, October 3, 1994, p. 26

The fact of Jesus' resurrection is very important to the Christian. Certainly as inspiration to persevere in the midst of hardship, but there are other reasons why we should "remember" and never stop believing in it.

While we may not suffer hardship like Paul or Timothy, it is imperative that Christians "remember the resurrection of Jesus". For reasons why, let's consider some implications.

IF JESUS WAS NOT RAISED FROM THE DEAD...

PREACHING THE GOSPEL WOULD BE IN VAIN. The preaching of the apostles would have been empty, and meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14). There would be no purpose in preaching about a lie today.

OUR FAITH WOULD BE VAIN. Our belief in Christ would also be empty, and meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14). Simply put, our faith would be in a lie!

THE APOSTLES WERE FALSE WITNESSES. An implication admitted to by Paul (1 Corinthians 15:15). For they swore that God raised Jesus from the dead (e.g., Acts 2:32). They claimed to spend 40 days with Him after the resurrection, eating and drinking with Him (cf. Acts 10:39-41). There is no way they could have been deceived or mistaken;
either they told the truth or they were deliberate liars, deceivers, and frauds!

WE ARE STILL IN OUR SINS. Our faith would be futile and we would still be sinners (1 Corinthians 15:17). For it would have been a liar or lunatic that died on the cross. And no such person could have provided a sacrifice that was holy and without blemish.

BELIEVERS WHO HAVE SINCE DIED HAVE PERISHED believing in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:18). Their faith would have been in a false Messiah. They would have had no atonement for their sins. Dying in their sins, there would be no hope.

CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE PITIED if their hope in Christ relates only to this life (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:19). Why? Because we believe in a false Messiah. Because our faith in Him leads us to refrain from much worldly pleasure. And, because we are often ridiculed or persecuted for our faith!

Such are the implications if Jesus did not rise from the dead. Now let's review the implications of Jesus' resurrection which should encourage us to always "remember" it.

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS FROM THE DEAD...

VERIFIES OUR JUSTIFICATION. Note Paul's mention of this consequence of the resurrection (Romans 4:24-25). Jesus claimed His blood would be adequate for the remission of our sin (Matthew 26:28). Therefore, by raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated His acceptance of Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins! (cf. Romans 8:33-34).

DEMONSTRATES GOD'S POWER TOWARD US, the greatness of which Paul wanted Christians to know (cf. Ephesians 1:18-20). This power is involved in our conversion, raising us to a new life (Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:21). This power enables us to live the Christian life, for God is at work in us (Philippians 2:12-13; 4:13; Ephesians 3:20; 6:10).

PROVIDES HOPE CONCERNING OUR OWN RESURRECTION. His resurrection gives us a living hope! (1 Peter 1:3,21) Especially concerning the resurrection of believers! (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

DEMANDS OUR COMPLETE LOYALTY TO JESUS. He died and rose again that He might be Lord of the dead and living (Romans 14:9). He was raised and then exalted to become our Lord (Acts 2:32-36; Ephesians 1:20-23). Thus, our lives and service belong to Him (Romans 14:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:15).

In conclusion, the Christian must never lose sight of the significance of the resurrection of Jesus. It is the foundation upon which our faith and hope is based. If we deny the resurrection of Jesus, we are no longer Christians!

The reality of the resurrection of Jesus is very important to the minister of the gospel. No one can deny Jesus' resurrection and claim to be a minister of Christ. Those suffering hardship can take comfort knowing that Jesus also suffered and rose again.

I leave you with a final thought. Will we be sure to remember the resurrection of Jesus, and live our lives accordingly...?

Prayer:

Lord of life,
We pray for all who bring your word of life,
As a light to those in darkness;
For those who bring your word of peace,
To those enslaved by fear;
For those who bring your word of love,
To those in need of comfort;
Lord of love and Lord of peace,
Lord of resurrection life;
Be known
Through our lives,
and through your power;
Amen

God bless you!

Faith