Purposes of the Resurrection

The New Testament claims that Jesus has been raised from the dead Mark 16:6.

But what’s the big deal? If God is a spirit (Jn 4:24), why couldn’t Jesus just be a spirit?

The Resurrection Shows that Jesus is the Son of God

The Scriptures make this point abundantly clear. Psalm 16:10. Acts 2:27. Romans 1:4.

Logic also makes this point clear. A man who walks out of a tomb after three days is not ordinary man.

The Apostles firmly believed after the Resurrection. Before the Resurrection, Peter told Jesus that he could not die (Matt 16:21-22). But after the Resurrection, Peter preached Jesus as the Messiah.

Christianity is the only world religion which claims the resurrection of its founder.

The Resurrection Allows for Salvation

If Jesus was not raised, we have no hope. 1 Corinthians 15:17-19. 1 Peter 3:21-22.

If Jesus is still dead, we have no salvation.

The Resurrection Allows for Our Own Resurrection

Since Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, will be raised from the dead (1 Cor 15:20-23).

Had Jesus not been raised from the dead, we would never be raised.

Jesus’ resurrection paved the way for our own resurrection.

We, therefore, have comfort in the face of death (1 Thess 4:18).

The Resurrection Allows for Morality

Since Jesus was raised from the dead, ensuring my own resurrection, I have a reason to live morally (1 Cor 15:30-34).

If there were no after-life, I would have no reason to live morally.

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This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Main Street church of Christ in Pikeville, Kentucky.