The Meaning of an Empty Tomb
by Abiding Love
1 Corinthians 15:19-20 — If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead!
What if Jesus did not rise from the dead? This is a huge question. The resurrection of Jesus is at the very center of the Christian faith. Just consider…
If Christ has not been raised, then he was a liar. Every claim he made about himself is proven false, because he said that his resurrection was the crowning sign that he is the Son of God.
If Christ has not been raised, then the rest of the Bible is untrustworthy. Because from the earliest book written (Job) to the last (Revelation), the Holy Scriptures declare a resurrection from the dead.
If Christ has not been raised, then there has been no redemption from sin. We must return to a life of work-righteousness, or to a life of believing karma is in control, or to a life that just lives for a temporary bucket list of momentary thrills knowing all the while that tomorrow we will die.
If Christ has not been raised, then all our talking about Jesus, all our worship, all our offerings, all our ministry and service is utterly pointless.
If Christ has not been raised, then every funeral should be hopeless and miserable.
No wonder the Father of lies has worked from that first Easter until now trying to hide and cover up the empty tomb. And he would love nothing more than to create just a bit of doubt in your mind, wondering “what if Jesus did not rise from the dead?”
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead! Alleluia!
Do you want to hear all the evidences of Scripture that declare the historical reality of the resurrection? Then come join us for Bible study at 9:15am this Sunday morning as we pour through one of the greatest chapters of Scripture — 1 Corinthians 15. You can’t help but leave stunned at the beautiful testimony given us that Christ is risen indeed. And the Holy Spirit can solidify your confidence that because Jesus lives, we too shall live, death has been swallowed in victory, and our labor for the Lord is not in vain.
Peace in Jesus,
Pastor John Gensmer
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