The Tomb is Empty

As we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus this weekend, it is good to remember just how significant the resurrection is. Consider what the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:14-19:

“And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise.For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.”

The resurrection of Jesus is absolutely essential to the Christian life and faith. The fact that Jesus came into history, lived among us, gave himself for our sins, and then rose from the grave is the core of our faith. If Jesus did not raise from the dead, then like Paul stated, our faith is futile. But the resurrection validates all that Jesus said and did.

If Jesus did not raise from the dead then there is no use believing His claims. If Jesus did not raise from the dead, then He really was not the Savior of the world and the cross did not really accomplish what the Bible says. Frankly, if Jesus did not raise from the dead, He was a complete liar.

But…the tomb is empty! Because the tomb is empty He is who He says He is. Because the tomb is empty He is worthy of our worship and our devotion. Because the tomb is empty we have life and hope in Him. Have a great Easter weekend and remember the power of the cross and resurrection!