Theme
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the pillar of the Christian faith.
No Resurrection = No Christianity
Introduction
Last week, we began looking at the theological implications of the resurrection by considering the following points:
- The resurrection proves the deity of Jesus Christ
- The resurrection proves the atonement was accepted
- The resurrection guarantees our justification
This evening, we will look at four more theological implications of the resurrection:
- The resurrection guarantees our future resurrection
- The resurrection is essential to the gospel
- The resurrection gives power for holy living
- The resurrection guarantees final judgement of sin
The Resurrection Guarantees Our Future Resurrection
(1 Corinthians 15:20 & 1 Corinthians 15:22)
The Resurrection Proves That Death Is Defeated
Death is unnatural but universal.
Death is something that we all have to come to terms with at some point, because it is the way things are now.
1 Kings 2:1
“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth…”
The Bible refers to death as “going the way of all the earth,” because death is a universal absolute. Everything must eventually die.
Death Was Not Intended for Man
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23 tells us that it is sin which brings death. When God created man, he created him without sin, therefore he was created to live and not die.
Death was brought upon humanity by Adam.
Romans 5:12
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin…”
Since we have all sinned, we are all subject to death.
Two Types of Death
Physical Death
Acts 20:9
Spiritual Death
Revelation 20:13–15
Sin brought both physical death and spiritual separation from God.
The Resurrection Guarantees Victory
The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that He conquered death and provided reconciliation with God.
John 14:19
“Because I live, ye shall live also.”
1 Corinthians 15:54–57
“Death is swallowed up in victory…”
Christ is the firstfruits, meaning the first of a coming harvest.
1 Corinthians 15:20
“Christ risen… the firstfruits of them that slept.”
1 Corinthians 15:23
“Afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
The Resurrection Is Essential to the Gospel
(1 Corinthians 15:3–4)
The Three Truths of the Gospel
- Christ died for our sins
- Christ was buried
- Christ rose again
The resurrection is the guarantee of salvation.
1 Corinthians 15:16–17
“If Christ be not raised… ye are yet in your sins.”
Without the resurrection:
- No forgiveness
- No eternal life
- No gospel
The resurrection is the power of the gospel message.
When we preach the gospel, we must preach not only the death of Christ, but also His resurrection.
The Resurrection Gives Power for Holy Living
(Romans 6:4)
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in believers today.
Galatians 2:20
“Christ liveth in me…”
Romans 8:11
“He… shall also quicken your mortal bodies…”
To be quickened means to be made alive.
Ephesians 2:1
“You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”
The resurrection provides power for:
- New life
- Holy living
- Sanctification
Romans 12:1
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice…”
Resurrection power is sanctifying power.
The Resurrection Guarantees Final Judgement of Sin
(Acts 17:31)
The resurrection proves that sin has been dealt with and will be judged.
John 3:18
“He that believeth not is condemned already…”
Acts 17:31
“He will judge the world… whereof he hath given assurance… in that he hath raised him from the dead.”
The resurrection guarantees:
- Christ will judge the earth
- Sin will be punished
- Salvation is genuinely offered
The Coming Judgement
The Great Tribulation
Revelation 5:5–9
The Lord Jesus opens the seals and initiates judgement.
The Return of Christ
Matthew 26:64
“The Son of man… coming in the clouds…”
Daniel 7:13
Christ will rule with everlasting dominion.
The Defeat of Satan
The resurrection guarantees the final defeat and judgement of Satan.
The Great White Throne Judgement
Revelation 20:11
All will stand before God.
- The saved enter eternal life
- The lost are cast into the lake of fire
The resurrection guarantees both:
- The offer of eternal life
- The certainty of judgement
Conclusion
As we conclude this study, I trust that you have been blessed by it and that it has opened your eyes to the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When the cults claim that Jesus was not God in human flesh, they undermine the all-sufficiency of the atonement.
When the sceptics say that Jesus did not rise from the dead, they attempt to cut down the greatest pillar of the Christian faith.
If you have heard the Word preached this evening and have not accepted the gift of salvation offered in Jesus Christ, then I trust you will make today the day that you accept that gift.