Matthew 28:11-15
“While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.”
“And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”
If Christ is still dead then our faith is in vain. Why believe in a dead God? If Christ is still dead, our sins are still unforgiven. If Christ is still dead, life has no meaning. If He is still dead, humanity would have nothing to live for.
If Christ is still dead, God has no use for the world other than wrath. Can you imagine that God would keep a world that has no relationship with Him? If Christ is still dead, there would be no heaven. There would be no second coming to rid the world of sin. There would be no one to prepare a place for people to live in eternal joy. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Cor 15:19)
If Jesus Christ did not rise, He would not be sitting on His throne to take care of human affairs. God’s love would never be experienced. God’s holiness would never be satisfied.
But, praise God that our Lord Jesus Christ is very much alive! Every “what if” can be put to rest. Jesus is alive! Because He is alive, His Spirit is alive, His people are alive and His church is alive. Christ is still saving, encouraging, and leading. Celebrate and keep serving!
- What are some “what ifs” you need to surrender to God?
- Do you have some “what ifs” about Jesus and His resurrection? Check out some of the resources from yesterday’s post to help answer your “what ifs.”