Written + read by Nokuthula Lumba
1 Corinthians 15:17
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins…
The details surrounding the Resurrection were so carefully crafted that they are difficult to refute. Nevertheless the World scoffs at this truth, despite the indisputable historical and biblical evidence.
A Case for the resurrection
The most notable evidence for the resurrection is that the scriptures reveal an empty tomb; there was no body and the stone had been rolled away ( John 20:2). Historically, no one has ever refuted that the tomb was indeed empty. Even those that desired to suppress this truth by lying that the disciples had stolen His body were not successful in it (Matthew 28: 12-13). How could the fearful disciples have gained access to the heavily guarded tomb belonging to a prominent member of the Jewish council?
Moreover, eye witness statements have survived years of scrutiny and more so persecution. They saw Him. First the women, and then the disciples and then over 500 people ( 1 Corinthians 15:6). They even felt the print made by the nails that drove through His hand (John 20:27). They touched Him (Luke 24 :39). Of what benefit would it have been for the disciples to have suffered persecution over a lie? Where did such boldness to persevere in the face of danger come from? Even after seeing that the penalty for their faithfulness would most certainly be death. Stephen was stoned, James died by sword, Peter was crucified and Paul was decapitated.
Why is this resurrection important?
If Christ had not been raised then we have no hope beyond the grave. If He had not been raised all of our best days would be lived only on this earth, with all it’s sorrows and groanings. Imagine that. To have no eternal glory to look forward to. Because of His resurrection we can say with assurance that He has overcome the World- that He has overcome death and death is not final. The grave is not final.
Romans 6:9
We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.
In addition, Jesus rising from the dead confirmed that indeed He is the Son of God (Romans 1:4) and by this resurrection the Christian is declared justified. And it is this that we believe that all those who have died believing in Christ will be raised again at the coming of our LORD (1 Thessalonians 4:14). The hope has been given, and so has the condition to partake in this hope. That one must repent of their sin and believe in Jesus Christ, the hope for all Humanity, the Son of God who died on the Cross and rose again.
Up from the grave He arose
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes
He arose a victor from the dark domain
And He lives forever with HIs saints to reign
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
©2023 Nokuthula Lumba | Forthwith Records. All rights reserved.
