Pastor Sam Crosby, First Baptist Church of San Saba
A favorite part of our trip to Israel several years ago was visiting the garden tomb. The tomb is located near what is traditionally thought to be Calvary. There is no way of knowing whether either of those places is historically accurate, but John’s gospel does say, “Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So there they laid Jesus…” (John 19:41-42). Visitors to the garden took turns entering the tomb to view what might have been the place where Christ was laid after the cross. Although it may not have been the same tomb Jesus was in, entering that empty tomb stirred my heart. It impressed the truth that Jesus really died, was buried, and then rose again. He is alive!
Christians have not followed fairy tales or fables when we talk about the resurrection. Paul declared, “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (I Corinthians 15:3-4). Witnesses both saw Him die on the cross and also saw Him alive three days later. Scripture says that He appeared to over 500 at one time after His resurrection (I Corinthians 15:6). The very foundation of the Christian faith is based on both His death and His resurrection from the grave. One cannot be a Christian and not believe in the resurrection (Romans 10:9).
Why is the resurrection so important? One, it validates our faith. The Christian faith is the only faith in the world that follows a leader who both died and rose from the dead. His conquering of death demonstrates His authority over both life and death. He showed in life He had power over the storms of the sea. He demonstrated His power over demons, sickness and nature. But when He rose from the dead, He demonstrated His power over death! He has proven Himself worthy of our devotion and worship.
Two, the resurrection of Jesus proves every promise He made can be trusted. Since He promised He would rise from the dead, and He did, what promise should we question? Christians can live with confidence that every word of Christ proves true. Since He promised to be with us, He will. Since He promised to take us to heaven, He will. Since He promised to forgive every sin, He will. What promise should we doubt from the One who rose from the dead?
Three, the resurrection of Jesus removes the fear of death! Those who follow Jesus Christ can face death with confidence and assurance, for they follow the One who conquered death. The words He spoke two thousand years ago are still true today: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).