What is the best piece of news you’ve heard lately? In a world where “bad news” just involves turning on the evening news, I have a news flash for you that changes how you view everything else that you will hear today, tomorrow, or for that matter, for the rest of your life.
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5
This message that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth spells out not only what Jesus did, but also the eternal significance of what He did and evidence for you to believe.
We recently began a study with the Jr. and Sr. High students on apologetics and this passage was where we began. The first issue we discussed dealt with was whether or not we can have a reasoned faith. In other words, is the bible just filled with fairy tales and mythical stories, or is it filled with truth, which leads us to hope? Some would look at biblical accounts such as the resurrection and say that you are being asked to take a blind leap of faith and believe in something without any evidence.
To address this, first consider the significance of the resurrection. The resurrection proves Jesus authority and power to forgive sins. 1 Corinthians 15:17 says, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins”. The resurrection gives us hope, not just wishful thinking, but genuine hope that our sins will no longer be held against us because of the completed work of Christ on the cross. An empty tomb is the centerpiece of Christianity!
Now, take another look at what Paul asks them to look at. Eyewitnesses. He lists several individuals, the 12, and then points to 500+ people that Jesus appeared to after He was raised from the dead. He essentially said, “Don’t believe me? Go ask these people yourself! Jesus is alive, and these people saw him, spoke with Him, and interacted with Him.” Paul would not offer this information if this vast number of eyewitnesses weren’t going to share the same truth- that Jesus is ALIVE.
As you think about the significance of the resurrection, the evidence for it, and the hope found in it please consider the impact that it has on your living. The resurrection gives us the hope of eternity. The resurrection reminds us that “just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans. 6:4b) You have good news to share! Jesus is alive, and this changes everything for everyone. Do you believe it? Will you proclaim it?
Pastor Ryan Drew