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Survey after survey confirms this fact: Americans
know precious little about the Bible or about the Christian faith.
So perhaps it is time for us to go back to basics, start from the
beginning, and review what it is the Bible teaches about the
resurrection of Jesus Christ – that event in history that lies at
the foundation of the Christian faith.
First, it’s important to understand that the word “resurrection” is
a word the Bible uses to communicate the awakening of the dead to
immortal life. During Jesus’ ministry He brought back the dead to
life (the son of the widow at Nain – Luke 7 and also His friend
Lazarus – John 11). But remember, being restored again to life, only
eventually to die again, is not what the Bible means by
resurrection. Resurrection is not about resuscitation. It is not
bringing someone back to where he or she was before. The Bible
teaches that all human beings will be brought back to life at the
end of history, but not all will be brought back to wonderful life
or to happy life. The Bible tells us there is a resurrection that
leads to life and a resurrection that leads to judgment. No human
life is ever simply extinguished, never to exist again. Think of
resurrection as restoration. A restoration to immortal life. Think
of perfection – morally, spiritually, and emotionally. That is what
the Bible means by resurrection. This is the message of Easter –
death has been conquered on our behalf by Jesus Christ. He died, as
we must die; but He rose again to new and everlasting life, and we
will do the same if we trust in Him. That is what Christians call
the gospel or good news.
Second, remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not an idea but
a fact that actually happened. Christianity is a religion of
history; it is based on events that happened in space and time. It
is not a collection of ideas; it is the report of things that
happened; what God did in the world. Now there are many people who
do not believe that any such thing actually happened. They think the
Christian claim that Jesus rose from the dead is a myth or a legend,
a mistake, in some cases, even a hoax. There are those who think
that in a day like ours (more scientific and intellectually
sophisticated than ever before) no one should believe in such a
thing.
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And while it is easy to understand why people
believed this event never happened – after all it had never happened
before and it has never happened since – the case for the
resurrection (as a historical event) is very strong. There are
multiple books written on the subject that can help you in this
area. Two books that I would start with are (Josh McDowell’s More
Than A Carpenter and Lee Strobel’s A Case For Christ).
Third, if Jesus rose from the dead, then His death on
the cross is what He said it was – a ransom paid to deliver us from
sin and guilt. Try as I might I want to do good and be kind to
everyone, but I fail – and I fail a lot. I desire to be happy and
upbeat but there are long periods of my life when I am confused and
ashamed. I know I should be open and transparent but sometimes I
hide my thoughts from others and wear a mask to cover up my
shortcomings. Human life is a moral affair – we cannot escape the
fact. We are sinners before a holy God. We are always thinking and
acting badly! So a happy future requires not only the conquest of
death, but the conquest of sin. And Jesus conquered both for those
who trust in Him.
Finally, the resurrection makes Jesus the most important person in
the world. The fact of His resurrection is the proof that Jesus
Christ is the only savior of sinners, the only one who can put you
right with God, the only one who can deliver you from your sins, and
the only one who can give you a place in Heaven forever. Why should
you believe in Jesus? Why should you trust in Him? Because He
conquered death! That’s why! No one else has done that; no one else
can. Only Jesus ever did that. Only He ever claimed to have done
that. Only Jesus can give you and me happy, full, everlasting life.
This is what Easter is all about. The proclamation of eternal life
through faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again
to give eternal life to all who trust in Him. Put your faith in Him.
No one who has ever done so has ever regretted doing so – not one!
Michael V. Mallick
Sr. Minister
Jefferson Street Christian Church |
