but if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. we are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. for if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. [1 corinthians 15:13-17]
the resurrection is essential for the forgiveness of our sin.
we have much to celebrate in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. he showed his triumph over death, his authority over all things, and his deity in human form. but much more than something to celebrate, Jesus’ resurrection is to be clung to in faith for salvation and sanctification! it is a crucial event for which we should thank and praise our Lord, because without his triumph over death, there is no forgiveness of sin. there is no reconciliation with the Father. there is no indwelling of the Holy Spirit. there is no hope. there is no life.
but praise be to a powerful God who delivers on all his promises! all of these things: forgiveness, reconciliation, the filling of the Spirit, hope, eternal life, every spiritual blessing, finds its yes and amen in Jesus Christ. our hope is in a person, the only Son of God, who came as a man, lived a sinless life, died as a sufficient sacrifice, and conquered death by rising from the grave. our hope is in a living Savior!
thank you Father, that you gave your Son authority over all things. thank you for his life, his death, his resurrection, and his return to his heavenly throne, all of by which we are reconciled to you. we are unworthy of these blessings, and so we receive them with thanksgiving in our hearts and worship in our lives! thank you Lord!
~arwen eastman