1 Corinthians 15:29-34

Why is believing in the resurrection of Jesus a big deal? You hear about people dying on the operating table, then coming back to life all the time. You read books about little boys who die, go to heaven, then come back to tell about it.

But you’ve only heard about one person who was dead for three days, then came back to life without the paddles or shots of adrenaline. Jesus died, was buried for days, then was alive again. Hundreds of people were eye witness to the fact.

Christianity is nothing without the death and bodily resurrection of Jesus. It is because Jesus is actually alive today that we can face whatever this life hands us. It’s because He lives that we can be assured of our eternal life in His presence. It’s because Jesus died and rose again that our sins are forgiven. God revealed Himself in the ultimate display of power when Jesus defeated death.

What a privilege to know Him, to serve Him, to be loved by Him. What a comfort in knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in my life, changing me, molding me, protecting me, and fighting with me against the power of darkness.

Is believing in the resurrection a big deal? It’s the difference between believing in the One True God, and believing about Him. You can’t separate God from the bodily resurrection of Jesus.

So Jesus rising from the dead is not only a thing, it is the most important thing of all. It’s the fulfillment of God’s plan to save you from the penalty of your sin. It’s that big of a deal.