The Bible tells us, “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).
Firstly, Christ died and He was buried. Then He was raised on the third day. The Scripture also says, “that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time . . . Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as one untimely born, He appeared also to me” (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).
There was abundant evidence that Christ actually was alive after He died. The very fact that He appeared alive to so many different people is undeniable evidence that He resurrected from the dead.
On the Christian calendar, Easter is a most holy day each year when Christians around the world gather in their local churches to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The week immediately preceding Easter Sunday is referred to as Holy Week or Passion week when Christians retrace the events of Christ’s death on Good Friday, His burial on Saturday, and His glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The resurrection of Christ is foundational to the Christian faith in that it provides a living hope for us because Christ conquered and triumphed over sin, death, hell and the grave. “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death where is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).
The apostle Paul points out the dire consequences that would result if Christ had not been raised from the dead. “And if Christ had not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that He raised Christ” (1 Corinthians15:14,15).
Paul continues his argument by saying, “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished” (1 Corinthians 15:17,18).
After laying out the consequences had Christ not been raised, Paul returns to his undeniable proofs of the resurrection by declaring: “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:19,20).
“If Christ had not risen,“ writes William MacDonald, “then living believers are in as wretched a condition as those who have died. They, too, have been deceived. They are of all men the most pitiable. Paul is here doubtless thinking of the sorrows, sufferings, trials, and persecutions to which Christians are exposed. To undergo such afflictions for a false cause would be pathetic indeed” (Believer’s Bible Commentary, pg. 1805 Thomas Nelson Publishers).
Numberless Church sermons have been preached about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Likewise many hymns, poems, and sacred songs have been written accordingly.
Congregations around the world choose to sing this all-time favorite Easter hymn with the caption Christ Arose. The third stanza is quoted here below:Death cannot keep his prey— Jesus, my Savior!
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! —Robert Lowry, 1826-1899)
Before His death and subsequent resurrection, Christ Himself declared: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). On another occasion He said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. But he was speaking about the temple of his body” (John 2:19,21).
Also the angel said to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary who went to Jesus’ tomb: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:5,6).
Note these words, “for he has risen, as he said.” Christ said it. And it was absolutely true because it actually happened. The angel also invited the two women to “Come, see the place where he lay.
Here is yet another clear evidence that Christ’s resurrection is not a myth as some would doubt, but rather a reality.
There is now the empty tomb and an occupied position at God’s right hand in heaven, where Christ “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).