Did the resurrection really happen? Part 1
Part 1: If it didn't, our faith is useless
Does it really matter?
Every year around Easter time there is lots of talk about whether or not Jesus really did rise from the dead. Often there are “new” theories and discoveries that are put forward to discredit the resurrection. But before we look at the evidence for and against the resurrection it is worth asking the question, “does it really matter?” Can’t you still believe in Jesus, be a Christian, but just not believe in the resurrection? In a word, “No”. Without the resurrection, the whole Jesus, Christianity thing completely falls apart.
We are lost without the resurrection
Check out 1 Corinthians 15:12-14
"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? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."
It goes on in verses 17-18:
"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost."
The resurrection makes all the difference
Without the resurrection, Christianity doesn’t work. Jesus died to pay for the sins of the world. If He had been guilty of sin Himself, He would not have come back to life since the penalty for sin is death. The fact that He came back to life proves He was sinless, and that means His death was a legitimate payment for my sin; yours and mine. That’s why Paul said we are still in our sins if Christ didn’t rise from the dead. It would have meant his payment was not accepted by God.
The resurrection is essential, not optional.
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