How important is Jesus' resurrection?
Introduction. There are a number of fundamental doctrines in the Bible. Love of God and neighbor, love in general, and faith are examples (Matt. 22: 36, 40, Gal. 5: 6, Heb. 11: 1). These are fundamental because they are foundational. Jesus' resurrection is another such doctrine.
The scriptures declare Jesus' resurrection. Jesus said he would resurrect the third day (Matt. 16: 21). We read of Jesus' crucifixion (Matt. 27). Jesus' body was placed in Joseph's tomb (Matt. 27: 58-60). Great precaution was taken to prevent any faking of the resurrection (Matt. 27: 62-66). Nonetheless, when the two Marys came to the tomb, the angel of the Lord said to them, "..Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay" (Matt. 28: 6, 6). Hundreds witnessed the resurrected Jesus during his eleven recorded appearances (cf. 1 Cor. 15: 5-8).
Without Jesus' resurrection, there would be utter hopelessness. Jesus' resurrection is one of the basic facts to be believed (1 Cor. 15: 3, 4). In fact, 1 Corinthians chapter fifteen is said to be the resurrection chapter. Herein, Paul shows the direct connection of Jesus' resurrection and our resurrection (vss. 13, 16). If Jesus did not resurrect, Paul's preaching was in vain and their faith was also futile (vs. 14). The apostles would be false witnesses, if there was no resurrection (vs. 15). In addition, Christians would be in their sins, the dead perished, and life would be miserable (vss. 17-19).
Conclusion. The glad tidings is Jesus did resurrect. Hear Paul: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept" (vss. 20, 21). Jesus gave his life so you and I could live (Matt. 26: 28, cf. Rom. 1:4).
The scriptures declare Jesus' resurrection. Jesus said he would resurrect the third day (Matt. 16: 21). We read of Jesus' crucifixion (Matt. 27). Jesus' body was placed in Joseph's tomb (Matt. 27: 58-60). Great precaution was taken to prevent any faking of the resurrection (Matt. 27: 62-66). Nonetheless, when the two Marys came to the tomb, the angel of the Lord said to them, "..Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay" (Matt. 28: 6, 6). Hundreds witnessed the resurrected Jesus during his eleven recorded appearances (cf. 1 Cor. 15: 5-8).
Without Jesus' resurrection, there would be utter hopelessness. Jesus' resurrection is one of the basic facts to be believed (1 Cor. 15: 3, 4). In fact, 1 Corinthians chapter fifteen is said to be the resurrection chapter. Herein, Paul shows the direct connection of Jesus' resurrection and our resurrection (vss. 13, 16). If Jesus did not resurrect, Paul's preaching was in vain and their faith was also futile (vs. 14). The apostles would be false witnesses, if there was no resurrection (vs. 15). In addition, Christians would be in their sins, the dead perished, and life would be miserable (vss. 17-19).
Conclusion. The glad tidings is Jesus did resurrect. Hear Paul: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept" (vss. 20, 21). Jesus gave his life so you and I could live (Matt. 26: 28, cf. Rom. 1:4).