An often-told story around Easter speaks of a rural community with people rejoicing as they left a Good Friday service. A young skeptic intending to mock Christianity approached an elder farmer and challenged him, “Why are you so cheerful and call this is Good Friday. Shouldn’t it be the darkest day in your religions history?” Without hesitation, the wise old man, responded, “Cause Sunday’s a comin’!”
But now it’s Monday. So, what does that mean to us today as we go about our daily activities? Without the resurrection, Christianity has no significance for humanity and we are to be pitied more than all men (1 Cor 15:19). In this same chapter, Paul lists how futile our existence would be without the resurrection. Our preaching is in vain v14; our faith is in vain v14; if there was no resurrection, we are false witnesses when we share the Gospel v15; we are still in your sins v17; our loved ones who died trusting in Christ have perished v18.
The Resurrection is a well-established historical fact and not a blind leap of faith into the unknown. The noted Apologist, John Ankerberg, states, “The witness evidence for the physical resurrection of Christ is massive”. To lists each is beyond the scope of this short study but note these. Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene then Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Joanna. He came to His disciples on various occasions both to groups and to individuals. He appeared to over five hundred brethren at one time and then his brother James. Paul writes, last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also (1Corin 15:9). Paul’s conversion itself speaks volumes because he was a hardened skeptic who became a staunch believer.
Besides His multiple appearances, one of the strongest confirmations was the empty tomb. Both John and Peter saw the empty tomb, and the resurrected Jesus. John introduces his first epistle, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands (1Jn 1:1). Peter assures readers the disciples were not concocting crafty tales. We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty (2Pet 1:16 NIV). Further verifying they were proclaiming the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and not a fictional account, they maintained their belief even when the religious rulers had them beaten, stoned, imprisoned, tortured, and put to death. The Holy Spirit had transformed and empowered this group of frightened followers who ran away and hid when the Romans crucified Jesus into fearless witnesses of the Gospel.
The resurrection is by far, more than a celebration observed once a year on Easter. It is at the core of our daily existence. Scholars have written volumes of theology books on the resurrection. They often use terms we do not use every day. Take for example propitiation, He Himself is the propitiation for our sins (1Jn 2:2). It means Christ was the offering that turned away God’s wrath. Another powerful theological teaching is justification. He was raised because of our justification (Rom 4:25). It is a legal word used in courtrooms. Justification is God’s action declaring us not guilty, removing the penalty of sin, and making us righteous through Christ’s completed work. Propitiation and justification are only two theological examples of the results of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Because of my training, I understand the theological terminology, but there has to be more. While working with my tractor this week, I kept asking myself how the resurrection was affecting my life at that moment. The resurrection and the results have to progress beyond the pages of theology, academic text books, and even the Bible. We must continually translate its ramifications into our everyday concerns and struggles. My initial thought on my tractor was the peace He had given me. I was no longer fearful of judgment or condemnation for my sins. The Holy Spirit continued speaking into my heart its meaning. My wife was shopping, but I was not alone. I was aware Christ was present through the Holy Spirit. It is reassuring to realize no matter where we are, He is there. Where can I go from Your Spirit (Psa 139:7)? I know working with any farm machinery can be dangerous. Yet, no fear was in me. Even if I had an accident that killed me, His resurrection guarantees me eternal life. For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2Co 5:1). Understanding the theological ins and outs of the resurrection is unnecessary. We should focus on the promises that came as a result of the resurrection and how to integrate them into daily practice.
The external evidence alone should be sufficient proof to persuade unbelievers. But, He also gives internal evidence. When He [Holy Spirit] comes will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment (Joh 16:8). After we accept Christ, The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God (Rom 8:16).
Sustaining Word for the Week: It’s Monday, but the resurrected Christ is with you and promises, He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6).