Resurrection Impact

Introduction: Why is the resurrection essential to the Christian?

1. The Resurrection Validates Our Faith

The resurrection is central to the Gospel - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 NIV

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is the center of the Gospel

Jesus had clearly predicted His own resurrection - Matthew 12:40

Matthew 12:40 NIV

For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Without the resurrection our preaching is in vain - 1 Corinthians 15:14-19

1 Corinthians 15:14–19 NIV

And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Without the resurrection our message is hollow

Our claims are false claims

If Christ did not rise from the dead, There is no hope for us of resurrection - Refutes the Sadduccees

Without the resurrection our sins are not forgiven

Those who have died would be lost

We would be without hope

The resurrection is the bedrock of our faith

2. The Resurrection Guarantees Our Resurrection to Eternal Life

The resurrection of Jesus is a preview of our resurrection - 1 Corinthians 6:14

1 Corinthians 6:14 NIV

By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.

In Christ, we will all be made alive - 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

1 Corinthians 15:20–23 NIV

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

The firstfruits were the proof of the crop - A preview prior to the completed harvest.

Through the resurrection of Jesus we have a new and living hope for eternity - 1 Peter 1:3-5

1 Peter 1:3–5 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

We have a living hope

We don’t worship the memory of a dead man

We worship one with whom we share a personal relationship

We have an inheritance that can never perish

We are shielded by God’s power - Nothing takes Him by surprise

Our resurrection is assured by the same power that raised Jesus - Romans 8:11

Romans 8:11 NIV

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Resurrection power live in you in the person of the Holy Spirit

3. The Resurrection Empowers Christian Living

The resurrection is a picture of our new life in Christ - Romans 6:4

Romans 6:4 NIV

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Our new life in Christ begins the moment we trust Him as our Savior

The resurrection focuses our faith and hope in God - 1 Peter 1:21

1 Peter 1:21 NIV

Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

All other religions focus on our works. My salvation does not depend on my works but on the resurrected Christ

The resurrection provides motivation for holy living - Colossians 3:1

Colossians 3:1 NIV

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Are we focused on earthly priorities or heavenly priorities?

Everything we do for Christ has meaning because of the resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

1 Corinthians 15:57–58 NIV

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.