Christianity is based on a historical event. The event is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. While loving God and loving our neighbor is the central command for Christians, the resurrection of Jesus is the central truth of Christianity.
If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then it is useless to follow him. This truth is found on the pages of Scripture: “And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17; NLT)
This is why the question surrounding the resurrection of Jesus is such an important question. If it can be demonstrated that the resurrection of Jesus did not happen, the case for Christianity falls apart. It fall apart because the resurrection vindicates Jesus and demonstrates his claims to be the Messiah as true.
Not only that, but in the resurrection of Jesus Christians are given a glimpse of what their future hope looks like. The New Testament says that Jesus is the “first fruits” of God’s people. What that means is what happened to Jesus will happen to us. We get to look forward to the day when we receive resurrected bodies and become God’s stewards in the new heaven and new earth.
This sermon, which was the third sermon in the Hard Questions, Real Answers series, was given on Easter Sunday 2015. You can listen to Did the Resurrection of Jesus Happen? here.
Don’t forget to like Paul’s Ponderings on Facebook. If you enjoyed the sermon make sure you like Bethlehem Free Methodist Church on Facebook as well.