I believe if there is one thing which could change the course of our faith-derail it even-it would be the validity of the resurrection of Jesus. If someone could somehow prove it never happened everything falls apart. I just finished reading I Cor. 15 in One Faithful Life by John MacArthur. In his commentary he gives Paul’s 6 disastrous consequences if there were no resurrection. Here they are:
- Preaching Christ would be senseless. (v.14)
- Faith in Christ would be useless. (v.14)
- All the witnesses and preachers of the resurrection would be liars. (v.15)
- No one would be redeemed from sin. (v.17)
- All former believers would have perished. (v.18)
- Christians would be the most pitiable people on earth. (v.19)
As you can see quite a bit of weight lands on the resurrection. Quite a bit of truth is dependent on the resurrection. When you think about it, that explains why so much effort has been put in by skeptics to somehow disprove its validity.
And that is good news for us! We stand on truth. If the resurrection were not true they would not be trying so hard to find loopholes and use flimsy excuses. Standing on truth is a good place and solid place to plant our feet.
“Father, thank you for the resurrection. It is the hope of all mankind. It is the rock of all Christ-followers.”
Good morning🌞 Amen. I often go back to those last 3 days leading up to the resurrection and the resurrection as a reminder of hope. A hope only possible to a follower of Jesus. It reminds me how the disciples mourned and felt all was lost and hopeless for those 3 days and their dearest hopes had been crushed – after all their miracle working, compassionate leader and shepherd was dead in a tomb. In that same way, at times every hope seems crushed and we see no sign of “victory/hope” in some situation or circumstance – but then throughout history and even in our own lives we see how at those intense dark moments of our lives when Satan cheers and declares victory – then is when God marches on the scene and brings life and resurrection. So, yes, I get pretty excited whenever someone talks/writes on this hope-filled topic. 🌞
The word “hope” is an important one Crystal. And you are so right that the resurrection is the answer to that hope. I’m glad you get excited. 🙂 Always good to have you swing by my world.
Absolutely, Bill! If there hadn’t been a resurrection, there would be no Christianity or reason for it.
Blessings!
And that is the crux of the whole thing. Thanks for the comment Martha.