If it's not true, we're to be pitied

From the first century on, people have struggled with the idea of resurrection. Because of its supernatural basis it defies reason. It’s important for us to understand, however, that believing Jesus rose from the dead needs to be a solid fact for Christians. If the resurrection didn’t happen, then Jesus Christ did not triumph over death. And without His victory, we cannot be free from sin and its punishment.  It’s not just a ‘pie-in-the-sky’ belief that we hang on to. In the first place, Jesus promised He would raise from the dead (Mark 8:31). His return to life wasn’t a fluke or trick; rather, it was part of God’s plan since the beginning. In fact, centuries before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah and Daniel prophesied about resurrection (Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2). Yet another truth we need to consider is that Jesus’ disciples and apostles were so convinced Christ had returned from the dead that they proclaimed a risen Lord even to the point of the majority of them being martyred for the faith. They faced persecution, physical suffering, and even death for preaching their message. How foolish would it have been for them to lay down their lives unless they were certain about Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection?  Another certainty to take into consideration was when the Jewish Christians transformed their worship methods to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. They moved their day of worship from Saturday to Sunday because He arose on the first day of the week (Mark 16:2). Even more persuasive is the fact that they stopped bringing animal sacrifices because they accepted Jesus as the atonement for sin. Jesus said He would rise again and then sit at His Father’s right hand in heaven. (Hebrews 1: 1-3; 10:11-12). Did Jesus rise from the grave? He certainly did! He did exactly as He promised. And the best news about that truth is that we have the same hope! Our bodies won’t be confined to the grave. We too have so much to look forward to! Have you given your life to Christ Jesus? Have you taken Him on in baptism? Are you anxiously awaiting His glorious return?

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin