He is Risen!
by Pat McIntosh
There is not a single truth or event more critical and foundational to our faith than the fact of an empty tomb (1 Cor. 15:17). If the tomb was empty, Jesus defeated death. If the tomb was empty, His righteousness is fully vindicated. If the tomb was empty, our hope of salvation and the promise of our own resurrection is well-founded.
If, on the other hand, Jesus remained in the grave or any of the many “empty tomb theories” are valid, some sad concepts are true. He did not rise from the dead. Satan won the “conflict of the ages” (Gen. 3:15). Jesus is not the Son of God. The Bible is not inspired. Christianity is based on one of the greatest hoaxes ever put over on man.
As it relates to our faith and the foundation for it, there is simply no room for compromise or neutrality. If we, as Christians, need to be certain of anything, we need to be confident of the fact that our Lord defeated death and was resurrected to God’s right hand.
I thank God today that we can confidently say that God raised Jesus from the dead. The inspired word makes the claim and numerous pieces of evidence, both internal and external, support that claim. It is true that the gospel message is based squarely on an empty grave. Some would see that as nonsensical. In reality, it is the truth that serves as the basis for the “good news” and the foundation for the faith that will take us from this world to eternity. May we walk through this life with confidence knowing that, if Jesus’ grave was empty, the same will be true for those found faithful.
Sunday A.M. Sermon – The Resurrection of Christ
Introduction – 1 Cor. 15:17; Psa. 16:8-11
- The Confidence of Christ – Jno. 10:17-18; Heb. 12:1-2
- The Importance of the Resurrection – Jno. 2:19; Matt. 16:21; 17:23; 20:19; Acts 2:25-27; 1 Cor. 15:14-19; Rom. 6:3-5
- Additional Evidence –
- “Alternatives” – Matt. 28:11-15; Mk. 16:12-14
Sunday P.M. Sermon – What Should Our Attitude Be Toward Error? (2 Jno. 7-11)