THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RESURRECTION

Yesterday we had our annual easter egg hunt and every kid received a golden egg and in it was a die and an invite to Sunday Service to see how that ties into the Easter Message.

Matthew, Mark and John all relate the story of the soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ garment to fulfill the prophecy in Psalm 22:18 – They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.

John 19:23-24 – When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things,

Our kids just recited memory verses related to the Resurrection.

Jesus said in Matthew 28 - Go and make disciples and baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We had baptisms that symbolically relate to the resurrection – as we have died to our sins we are raised to new life in Christ.

But what is the importance of the resurrection – that is what we will discuss today – let us pray!

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RESURRECTION

Romans 4:25 – “who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”

INTRODUCTION: Romans 4:25 reveals that the resurrection of Christ brought to completion God’s plan through which man might be made “just” or “acquitted” of sin before Him. Without the last stage, the resurrection, man’s redemption—in any form—would be invalid. To this the apostle Paul agrees: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Cor. 15:17). Therefore, the resurrection is the most important doctrine of the Christian church! Without it, Jesus would have just been a good man, a great teacher to die.

1 Corinthians 15:12-22 – Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

I. WITHOUT THE RESURRECTION—

1. Christ’s Sonship would have no authority,

Romans 1:4 – and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

2. The gospel would be false,

1 Corinthians 15:14-15 – And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.

3. The church would have no reason for existing!

The Quran states that God will judge each individual on his or her deeds to see who goes to heaven and who goes to hell.

Mormonism

II. BELIEF IN THE RESURRECTION IS ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION.

1. We must “believe the gospel,”

Mark 1:15 – and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

First step before baptism

2. Denying the resurrection denies justification,

Romans 4:25 – who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Justification – being made right before God

In Romans, Titus, Galatians, Corinthians, Ephesians

We are justified by our faith in Jesus Christ – who thru the resurrection made us right before a Holy God

3. We must believe “the record … God gave,”

1 John 5:10-11 – Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

4. We are “begotten … by the resurrection,”

1 Peter 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

5. Unbelief in the resurrection is a mark of heathenism: “When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked,” Acts 17:32

III. CIRCUMSTANCES VERIFY CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

1. Christ foretold that He would rise,

Matthew 12:40 – For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

2. His enemies pronounced Him dead,

Mark 15:44–45 – Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph.

John 19:34 - But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.

If He could have survived the scourging – if He could have survived the Crucifixion – He could survive a spear being thrust into his heart.

3. A strong guard secured His tomb,

Matthew 27:66 – So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

4. The third day He was missing,

Luke 24:3 – but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

5. “He was seen of above five hundred,”

1 Corinthians 15:6 – Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.

6. Paul saw Him on the Damascus Road,

Acts 9:3–6 – Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

1 Corinthians 15:8 – Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

WHAT THE RESURRECTION SHOULD TEACH US:

Luke 23:43 Jesus tells the man the cross “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

When our las breath leaves us – those that have made Christ Lord and Savior are ushered into His presence –

Because He was raised from the dead – so we have that promise as well – death no longer has a hold on us

He Is – Jesus is the resurrection and the life – He wants us to know the power of His resurrection – if it can raise Him from the dead after 3 days – what can it do in your life?