Why is the Resurrection So Important?
Three Words That Change Everything
He is risen. Luke 24:6
He is risen. Luke 24:6
What do the following verses say about why the resurrection of Jesus Christ is so important?
1. Romans 1:4
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves he is God. It demonstrated his deity and confirmed his prediction that he would rise from the dead. (Matthew 16:21) McGee states, "the resurrection did not make him the Son of God, it simply revealed who he was."1
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was accomplished by the Holy Spirit. The Father called the Son to the cross, the Spirit called him from the tomb.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was accomplished by the Holy Spirit. The Father called the Son to the cross, the Spirit called him from the tomb.
1. J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible, Volume 4: Matthew-Romans (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.9.3) notes on Romans 1:4
2. Romans 14:9
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ establishes his authority over everyone. This includes all who have ever lived and died. He is the judge of both the living and the dead, and the Master of all the redeemed. Matthew 28:18; Revelation 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:4-5
3. Romans 10:9
notes
Belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is essential to saving faith. It is not enough to just believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. Belief in the atoning death of Jesus Christ is necessary but not complete. One must believe in the substitutional death AND resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ to be saved. MacArthur states, "Men must believe the resurrection of Christ because it proves that He accomplished their salvation on the cross... Had Jesus not been raised, sin and death would have been victorious over fallen mankind."1
1. John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Romans 9-16 (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.9.3) notes on Romans 10:9
4. 1 Peter 1:21
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ causes us to trust in God's promises and long for His presence. Our faith in God's plans, and our confident expectation of eternal life rests upon the fact that He raised Jesus from death. 1 Peter 1:9
"If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead." — Timothy Keller
"If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead." — Timothy Keller
5. Romans 6:7-9
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us power over sin and death. One the most immediate results of trusting in the risen Lord Jesus Christ is being liberated from a life saturated with sin. Furthermore, we are no longer obligated to respond to sinful impulses like before. Now we are empowered to live for God. Sin no longer has control, and death no longer has the final say. 1 Corinthians 15:57; Romans 6:14
6. Romans 8:11
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantees our resurrection. Romans 6:4, 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14, 15:20-23; 2 Corinthians 1:9, 4:14 The death of Jesus defeats our sin, the resurrection of Jesus defeats our death. Ultimately, our resurrection is based on the fact that the same person of the trinity who raised Jesus from death (the Holy Spirit), will do the same for us. Peterson states it this way, "It stands to reason, doesn't it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus?"1
1. Eugene Peterson, The Message (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.9.3) notes on Romans 8:11
7. Romans 4:25
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ accomplishes our justification. Justification is a legal term that means to be declared not guilty. The only basis upon which we, who are guilty sinner's, are declared not guilty is because God has accepted the death of Jesus Christ on our behalf. The resurrection is God's seal of approval on the atoning sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ.
"His [Jesus's] death paid the price for our sins and His resurrection gave absolute proof that the price was paid. When God raised Jesus from the dead, He demonstrated that His Son had offered the full satisfaction for sin." — John MacArthur 1
"His [Jesus's] death paid the price for our sins and His resurrection gave absolute proof that the price was paid. When God raised Jesus from the dead, He demonstrated that His Son had offered the full satisfaction for sin." — John MacArthur 1
1. John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Romans 1-8 (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.9.3) notes on Romans 4:25
8. 1 Peter 1:3-4
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ creates a new person. Our salvation begins as God looks upon our hopeless and miserable condition with compassion. (Ephesians 2:5) It's brought about through the atoning work of Christ upon the cross. (Romans 3:23-25) It results in new life; the creation of a brand new person. We are totally different people because we have an entirely a new nature. Colossians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17
The resurrection of Jesus Christ produces hope. Biblical hope is not wishful thinking, it's the confident expectation, or eager anticipation about a certain matter. It is a palpable delight about a future event. MacArthur calls it "confident optimism." Living hope is real and genuine. It influences how believers view all aspects of life, especially suffering and hardship. It causes believers to look ahead to what is far better, not dwell upon just the present.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ results in eternal security. We possess an incalculable treasure; heaven. Eternity is actually our birthright. It awaits us and cannot be changed, or altered.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ produces hope. Biblical hope is not wishful thinking, it's the confident expectation, or eager anticipation about a certain matter. It is a palpable delight about a future event. MacArthur calls it "confident optimism." Living hope is real and genuine. It influences how believers view all aspects of life, especially suffering and hardship. It causes believers to look ahead to what is far better, not dwell upon just the present.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ results in eternal security. We possess an incalculable treasure; heaven. Eternity is actually our birthright. It awaits us and cannot be changed, or altered.
9. Romans 8:34
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ nullifies the charge of our guilt. In the great heavenly courtroom, Satan attempts to reestablish our guilty status, but Jesus overrules this charge by his death and resurrection. "When Satan accuses you of being a grievous sinner, you look him in the eye and say, “You are right I am. But I have a Savior greater than my sin, and He has given me salvation, power, a kingdom, and the authority of my Messiah. I have been delivered, and I am safe from your accusations now and forever.” Yes, our salvation is a signed, sealed, and settled reality!"1
The resurrection of Jesus Christ places Him as our intercessor. His resurrection leads to his ascension, which enables him to occupy the position of highest authority. From there, His prayers focus on the fact that we would trust in God's love, no matter what may befall us. Romans 8:35-39; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25
The resurrection of Jesus Christ places Him as our intercessor. His resurrection leads to his ascension, which enables him to occupy the position of highest authority. From there, His prayers focus on the fact that we would trust in God's love, no matter what may befall us. Romans 8:35-39; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25
1. Daniel L. Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Revelation (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.10.1) Notes on Revelation 12:10
10. Acts 17:31
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ places him as the Judge. One day everyone will answer to Jesus as judge. Unbelievers for their refusal to believe. They will be cast into utter darkness away from the presence of God forever. Believers will also face judgment. This judgment is not unto eternal separation from God, but an evaluation of how we lived our Christian life. 2 Corinthians 5:10; Acts 10:42; Romans 14:10
11. 2 Timothy 2:8
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the core of the gospel. The good news is that because Jesus rose from the dead, we too will rise from our death.
12. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is meant to be shared person to person as the most important thing to say about Jesus Christ. There are lots of things to say about Jesus Christ, but none is more important to mention than his substitutional death, and resurrection.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. (Psalm 16:10) J. Vernon McGee writes, "I would love to have been with Paul the apostle when he arrived in Europe and went to Philippi, Thessalonica, then down to Athens, and over to Corinth... I imagine that when he went into a synagogue and mentioned the death of the Lord Jesus, the Jews said, “But this is not in our Scriptures.” Then he would turn to the Book of Genesis and say, “I’d like to remind you about the offering of Isaac and how Abraham received him back from the ‘dead’—he was ready to kill the boy. Now God spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up freely for us all.” Then he would turn to the Mosaic system of sacrifice, to the five offerings in Leviticus, and show them how they pictured Christ, then to the great Day of Atonement and the two goats which pictured Christ’s death and resurrection. Also, he would cite Aaron’s rod that budded, and the Book of Jonah, which typifies resurrection. Then... He would show them Isaiah 53 he would point out that He was wounded for our transgressions and He was bruised for our iniquities. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of all of us. So he could show them from the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus Christ was to die and to rise again. The expectation of the Old Testament was not for this life only, but also for the life that is to come."1
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. (Psalm 16:10) J. Vernon McGee writes, "I would love to have been with Paul the apostle when he arrived in Europe and went to Philippi, Thessalonica, then down to Athens, and over to Corinth... I imagine that when he went into a synagogue and mentioned the death of the Lord Jesus, the Jews said, “But this is not in our Scriptures.” Then he would turn to the Book of Genesis and say, “I’d like to remind you about the offering of Isaac and how Abraham received him back from the ‘dead’—he was ready to kill the boy. Now God spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up freely for us all.” Then he would turn to the Mosaic system of sacrifice, to the five offerings in Leviticus, and show them how they pictured Christ, then to the great Day of Atonement and the two goats which pictured Christ’s death and resurrection. Also, he would cite Aaron’s rod that budded, and the Book of Jonah, which typifies resurrection. Then... He would show them Isaiah 53 he would point out that He was wounded for our transgressions and He was bruised for our iniquities. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of all of us. So he could show them from the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus Christ was to die and to rise again. The expectation of the Old Testament was not for this life only, but also for the life that is to come."1
1. J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible Commentary: Volumes 1-5 (OliveTree Bible Software, Version 6.9.3) notes on 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
13. 1 Corinthians 15:20
notes
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is factual. It is the result of the testimony of those who knew him before he died and saw him after he rose from the dead. 1 John 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8; John 19:35; 2 Peter 1:16
The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives meaning and purpose to life. 1 Corinthians 15:14-19 It established the truth of the Apostle's teaching, the value of our faith, and removes our guilt. It gives comfort to those grieving the death of a believer, and renders honor to followers of Christ. Hebrews 11:38
The resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred first and is followed by others. 1 Corinthians 15:23; Colossians 1:18 The first resurrection following Jesus' occurred immediately after His own. Matthew 27:52-53 The next is called the resurrection of life (John 5:29), first (Revelation 20:5), and of the just (Luke 14:14). It is for believers and results in eternal life. It occurs in two phases. Phase one is at the Rapture and includes all Christians (dead and alive). 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Phase two occurs at the end of the Tribulation and includes Old Testament saints (Daniel 12:2) and Tribulation martyrs. Revelation 20:4
The next resurrection is called the second death (Revelation 20:11-15, 2:11, 20:6, 21:8) and occurs at the end of the Millennium at the Great White Throne. It includes unbelievers from all time and results in separation from God forever.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ results in the resurrection of everyone. Resurrection is the rejoining of the soul and body. For believers the resurrection of Jesus Christ will result in new, glorified, eternal bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-57 They will reflect the glory of Christ, and will not be diminished by the effects of sin. They will not experience sickness or death. For unbelievers it will result in the reuniting of the soul with a body that will endure endless pain, and unending and irreversible separation from God. Luke 16:19-26
The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives meaning and purpose to life. 1 Corinthians 15:14-19 It established the truth of the Apostle's teaching, the value of our faith, and removes our guilt. It gives comfort to those grieving the death of a believer, and renders honor to followers of Christ. Hebrews 11:38
The resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred first and is followed by others. 1 Corinthians 15:23; Colossians 1:18 The first resurrection following Jesus' occurred immediately after His own. Matthew 27:52-53 The next is called the resurrection of life (John 5:29), first (Revelation 20:5), and of the just (Luke 14:14). It is for believers and results in eternal life. It occurs in two phases. Phase one is at the Rapture and includes all Christians (dead and alive). 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Phase two occurs at the end of the Tribulation and includes Old Testament saints (Daniel 12:2) and Tribulation martyrs. Revelation 20:4
The next resurrection is called the second death (Revelation 20:11-15, 2:11, 20:6, 21:8) and occurs at the end of the Millennium at the Great White Throne. It includes unbelievers from all time and results in separation from God forever.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ results in the resurrection of everyone. Resurrection is the rejoining of the soul and body. For believers the resurrection of Jesus Christ will result in new, glorified, eternal bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-57 They will reflect the glory of Christ, and will not be diminished by the effects of sin. They will not experience sickness or death. For unbelievers it will result in the reuniting of the soul with a body that will endure endless pain, and unending and irreversible separation from God. Luke 16:19-26
Other Resources
- Read: Why is the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important? Got Questions
- Watch: Why is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Important? (3:11) Got Questions