Resurrection: The key to everything

April 7, 2007

The resurrection of Jesus is the central tenet of the Christian faith. It is the foundation!

So many people focus upon proving the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is one of the best evidenced facts of history.

The enemies of Jesus - the Pharisees and Sadducees - hated the Christian faith. They could have destroyed the Christian faith by producing the body of Jesus. They could not produce the body.

The real issue is not proving the resurrection.

The real issue is, &#8220What does the resurrection prove?”

What is God the Father saying to us through the resurrection of Jesus?

The resurrection of Jesus proves five great realities.

The first great reality is that the resurrection proves the Word of God. Psalm 22 predicted the crucifixion of the Messiah one thousand years before His death.

The first half of Psalm 22 focuses upon the death of the Messiah. The second half of Psalm 22 details the resurrection of the Messiah.

In Acts 2 Peter preached a very famous sermon. The birthday of the church took place at that time.

Peter quoted Psalm 16:10. &#8220For You will not leave My soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”

The Old Testament predicted the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah. The resurrection of Jesus proves that the Word of God is true.

The second great reality is that the resurrection proves the deity of Jesus.

No greater proof exists for the deity of Jesus then the resurrection. No one else has defeated death!

Romans 1:4 talks about Jesus.

It says, &#8220Šand declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the deadŠ”

Romans 1:1 says that this is the gospel of God. The Father is shouting through the resurrection that Jesus is God.

At the crucifixion of Jesus God the Father spoke clearly.

Something very significant was taking place. Darkness covered the earth.

The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

An earthquake marked the moment of His death.

But God the Father spoke most emphatically through the resurrection of His Son. The resurrection proves the deity of Jesus.

The third great reality is that the resurrection proves the completion of God's salvation.

On the cross Jesus offered a sacrifice.

Our sins were placed upon Him.

When Jesus died, He cried out, &#8220Tetelestai!” or &#8220Paid in full!” (John 19:30)

He paid the price for our sins. How do we know that God the Father accepted the Son's payment for our sins?

The resurrection proves that God the Father was satisfied!

The wrath of God was appeased through the death of Jesus.

The fourth great reality is that the resurrection proves the establishment of the church.

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, &#8220And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (death) shall not prevail against it.”

The gates of Hades is a Jewish expression meaning death. Jesus, in effect, said, &#8220I am going to die but even My death will not stop the establishment of the church.”

The resurrection proves the establishment of the church.

The fifth reality is that the resurrection proves that God's judgment is inevitable. In John 5:22 Jesus said, &#8220For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.” Jesus came to die.

He is returning in triumph.

He came to suffer.

He is returning to reign.

Every person will stand before Jesus.

In John 14:1, 3 Jesus said, &#8220Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in MeŠ. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Before speaking these words Jesus predicted His coming crucifixion, death and burial. In so many words,

He said, &#8220I will die but I am going through death to resurrection. I will eventually spend eternity with you.”

The real issue is not, &#8220Can you prove the resurrection?”

The real issue is, &#8220What does the resurrection prove?”

Won't you turn to Jesus today?

This is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

Ethan Hansen is pastor of the Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake. Contact him at ethanchansen@gci.net.