This narrow way

“But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is in vain.”1 Corinthians 15:14.

The resurrection of Jesus is the centerpiece of the gospel. Christianity stands or falls based on the doctrine of the resurrection and whether or not it is true. Without the resurrection, Christianity is no different from any other religion which has at its core a dead prophet, founder, leader, messiah. Much of the focus of Passion Week is placed on the cross, and rightfully so, because of the cruelty and suffering of the crucifixion and the incredibly horrible circumstances leading up to it. The conviction of an innocent man, the scourging of Jesus, being slapped, and beaten and spat upon repeatedly. The crucifixion itself with the Roman soldiers driving the nails through the hands and the feet of Jesus. The incredible anguish of the abandonment by the Father on the cross when he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

 If the story of Jesus’ atonement for our sins and promise of our salvation ends at the cross and there is no resurrection, as Paul wrote to the Corinthians, our faith is in vain. But praise God our faith is not in vain, and the story doesn’t end at the cross, it ends with an empty tomb.

From that time to this there have been many questions and doubts by the naysayers, the skeptics, and the deniers about the authenticity of Jesus’ resurrection. The New Testament is replete with accounts of His appearing to people in the days following the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). But what I want to focus on here is not the proof of his resurrection, but what his resurrection proves.

First it proves God’s truthfulness and the consistency of his word.

“Moreover, my flesh also will live in hope; because you will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor allow your holy one to undergo decay. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.” The writer of Acts is directly quoting David in Psalm 16 verses 9 through 11.

The apostle Paul speaking before king Agrippa:

“I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the prophets and Moses said was going to take place; that the Christ was to suffer and that by reason of his resurrection from the dead he would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” Acts 26:22.

“The Jews then said to him, what sign do you show us as your authority for doing these things? Jesus answered them, destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up. The Jews then said, it took 46 years to build this temple and you will raise it up in three days? But he was Speaking of the temple of his body. So when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this; and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.” John 2: 18-22.

Second, the resurrection proves Jesus’ deity.

“Who was declared the son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 1:4.

“Therefore let all the House of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36.

Third, resurrection proves the completion of salvation.

“Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” Romans 4:23-24.

“These are in accordance with the working of the strength of his might which he brought about in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1: 19-21.

Fourth, Jesus’ resurrection ensures our resurrection.

“Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26.

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die so also in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-22.

Saving the best for last, Jesus’ resurrection and his ascension to Heaven guarantees the eternal bliss of the people of God.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where i am, there you may be also.” John 14:2.3.

Hallelujah, He is risen!