Ask the Pastor 154

Why is the resurrection of Christ so important?

The one holiday celebrated by the first century Church was to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the beginning it was celebrated in connection with the Jewish Passover, but over time disconnected from the Jewish celebration to be more distinctively Christian. The resurrection of our Lord is that which separates Christianity from every other religion, as this is the only religion that serves a living savior and thereby gives the assurance of everlasting life. It is as our Lord promised, “Because I live, you shall live also.” (John. 14:19). Our Lord has proclaimed that everyone who believed in Him will have everlasting life and He will raise them up in the last day (Jn 6:40) and that He is the resurrection and the life (John. 11:25). None of these things are possible if He did not raise up from the dead. Therefore, our salvation is predicated upon His resurrection which is why the book of Romans begins with the fact that our Lord is declared to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4). He is also declared to be the first fruits of those who sleep in Him (I Corinthians 15:20). This means that He is the first of many who will follow. We also read that if Christ did not raise from the dead, then our faith is futile and we are still in our sins and are of all men the most pitiable (I Corinthians 15:17-19). But Christ has risen from the dead and will raise those who have believed in Him from the dead as well. Therefore, everyone who truly believes in Him, knows for sure that they have everlasting life in a home especially prepared for them. He is Risen!

Have questions about the Bible? Send them to Dr. Greg Koehn at gak4850@gmail.com and read the answer here in this article.