THE RESURRECTION
“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.” 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 NIV
The resurrection is not a decorative doctrine but the foundation stone.
In our theme scripture, Paul does not water down his words: If there is no resurrection, Christ is still in the grave. If Christ is still in the grave, preaching is empty, faith is hollow, and hope would be an illusion.
Christianity does not survive without a risen Savior. The cross without the resurrection would be a tragedy, but the empty tomb declares that sin was paid for, death was defeated, and the Father was satisfied. The cross thus becomes a triumph. The resurrection is heaven’s “Amen – so be it” to the finished work of Christ.
Child of God, because He lives, our faith is not fragile optimism. It is anchored certainty. Because He lives, our shame does not have the last word. Because He lives, death does not either.
The resurrection means the gospel is not advice but victory. And if Christ is risen, and He is, then everything changes.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this truth. My faith is anchored in the reality of your victory through Christ. By your wisdom I shun hollow beliefs that speak of you but forget your power to bring the dead to life. Let the truth that you are alive always steady our hearts, silence the shame, and strengthen our hope in Jesus’ name. Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Romans 4:25
• Acts 2:24
• 1 Peter 1:3
