Why does it matter that Jesus rose from the dead?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead has been, and is still under intense scrutiny by skeptics just for them to ascertain whether it is true or not. But the truth of the matter is that, Jesus Christ died and resurrected from the grave on the third day, even as he himself prophesied, see (Matthew 20; 18-20). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is an historical fact, and there are biblical evidence to buttress it and archeological findings also attest to it. Though skeptics in history have done all their best to rubbish the claims of the Christian's, yet the evidence which countenance the resurrection of Christ are more than enough and cannot be over-emphasized.

 An excellent author by the name Michael Houdsman wrote this: "Accordingly, the historicity of Christ bodily resurrection has been examined and investigated from every angle and studied endlessly by countless scholars, theologians, professors, and others over the centuries. And even though a number of theories have been postulated that attempt to disprove this momentous event, no credible historical evidence exists which would validate anything other than his literal bodily resurrection. On the other hand, the clear and convincing evidence of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is overwhelming".

 The resurrection of Jesus Christ sets him apart as unique from all other religious leaders in human history. If you want to have an in-depth study of whether Jesus indeed rose from the dead, then you need to read my article on, "Did Jesus truly rose from the dead'' and I believe it will be a great blessing to you. But the question is, “Why does it matter that Jesus Christ rose from the dead? Is it important that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and for what purpose? The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is very vital in biblical Christianity for a number of reasons. Let us by the help of the Spirit, have an in-depth study of why it matters that Jesus rose from the dead.

One of the reasons why it matters that Jesus rose from the dead is that, his resurrection validates the truth of the old testament scriptures. Apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Corinthians: For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15: 3-4).  The scriptures that the apostle was referring to is the Old testament scriptures. He is saying that Jesus died, was buried and rose again in accordance with the scriptures of the old testament. It is clearly stated in the old testament, that the Messiah will not only die, but he will also resurrect from the dead. 

One of the key passage respecting the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the old testament is this: For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay (Psalms 16:10). I love how apostle Peter exposited the meaning of the Psalm: "Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay (Acts 2: 29-31). So the resurrection of Jesus really matters because it confirms and proves God's word as true. 

Another reason why the resurrection of Jesus Christ matters is that, it authenticates his claim as the Son of God. Did Jesus claim to be the Son of God? Of course he did, but his claim was proven to be true when he rose from the dead according to the Spirit of holiness. Paul wrote by the Spirit: concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 1: 3-4). So Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power by reason of his resurrection from the dead. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, he would have been a liar, and his claim to be the Son of God will be rendered null and void. But because he rose from the dead, all Christians from all over around the world affirms his identity as the Son of God, the very God of very God, who is equal with the father in everyway.

Another reason why it matters that Jesus resurrected from the dead is that, without his resurrection our faith is void. The apostle penned down these words: And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain (1Corinthians 15:14). If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith in him is vain, it is useless because we have trusted in a dead Man. If Jesus did not rise from the dead as some believe, our faith is not only useless but we are still in our sins, and we are still sinners, still in enmity with God, and we still do not have any hope of salvation, because the supposed resurrection of Christ was only a myth. 

This will also mean that the claims of  Christian's in past generations and in our time are full of lies, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ will perish, because they have believed in a lie. But of a truth, Jesus truly rose from the dead and for that cause our faith in him is not obsolete, but it is true and authentic. Because Jesus resurrected from the dead, we know our sins are forgiven and our salvation is eternally secure, and those who are dead in Christ shall rise and be with the Lord forever.

Another important reason why it matters that Jesus rose from the dead is that, it establishes the fact that his sacrifice was accepted and our justification is secured. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, substantiated the fact that God accepted his once, and for all time substitutionary sacrifice which is the basis for our justification. The apostle wrote by the Spirit: He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification (Romans 4: 25). Christ was delivered for our offences and was raised to justify us by faith in him (Romans 5; 1).

 We can joy and rejoice in the Lord, for in Christ Jesus we are accounted as righteous. We are freely justified from all accusations and charges leveled against us, because Jesus died and rose from the dead in our place, which establishes the fact that his sacrifice was accepted. If Jesus Christ had remained in the grave, it will have meant that his sacrifice was rejected, and you and I will not be enjoying the blessedness of justification. But Jesus truly rose from the dead, and his resurrection reassures us that his sacrifice was accepted of the father, and by our faith in him we are freely justified. 

Another very important reason why the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead matters is that, it secures our own resurrection. The resurrection of Christ is the deposit or down payment which guarantees our own future resurrection from the dead. If Jesus was not raised from the dead, we will not have any hope of our own resurrection. But the bible says: But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep (1Corinthians 15: 20). Because Jesus rose from the dead, that is what gives us hope as an anchor, that we too will partake in the blessedness of the first resurrection (Revelation 20; 6). If Jesus did not rise from the dead as some falsely teaches, then we (Christian's) are among all men the most to be pitied. For what is the whole point of our sufferings for Christ sake, if Jesus did not rise from the dead? But thanks be to God who raised our blessed Lord from the dead and has given us an unshakable hope of our own future resurrection (Philippians 3; 21).

The last good reason why it matters that Jesus rose from the dead is that, without the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then we are false witnesses and Christianity itself is false. The scripture saith: Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised (1 Corinthians 15: 15). The resurrection of Jesus Christ matters because without his resurrection, we are all found to be false witnesses of God, because we have testified against God that he raised Jesus from the dead. This will also prove to the world that Christianity is a false religion, if indeed Jesus did not rise from the dead. But of a truth, Jesus died and resurrected on the third day. Without the resurrection of Christ, there is no such thing as biblical Christianity, because Christianity itself is founded on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God bless you          

                     A thought to Ponder

 Though skeptics in history have done all their best to rubbish the claims of the Christian's, yet the evidences which countenance the resurrection of Christ are more than enough and cannot be over-emphasized

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