- 1 Corinthians 15:12–19 - Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
- Revelation 1:18 - I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Christ's victory over the grave ensures the forgiveness of our sins and gives us hope for eternal life with God. We live in a world influenced by sin, and death is inevitable. But as believers, we have hope because we serve a risen Savior. Have you ever wondered what would happen if there were no resurrection? How much hopelessness there would be! Let's think about what would happen if there were no resurrection to better understand this: First, Jesus would still be dead. This would mean that our faith in Him is empty and meaningless, and the message we bring to the world is a lie. Moreover, Jesus Himself would be a liar because He said He would rise. There would be no forgiveness of sins, no reconciliation with God, and no hope for heaven. All believers throughout history would have truly perished. If there were no resurrection, there would be no hope for the future—no salvation and no end to our broken state. But thanks be to God that none of this is true! Our Savior lives, our sins are forgiven, death is defeated, and eternal life in heaven is guaranteed for those who believe in Christ. As we consider how hopeless we would be without the resurrection, let us rejoice all the more in the greatness of our salvation!
Reflection
How does the reality of the resurrection change your perspective on the difficulties of your daily life?
