Why does it matter that Jesus rose from the dead?

Response

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a fundamental pillar of Christianity (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14;Matthew 1:18,25;Luke 1:27), the divinity of Christ (1 John 4:15,5:5;John 10:30), Jesus’ sacrifice for sin (Romans 5:10-11;2 Corinthians 5:21), and His crucifixion are essential truths without which Christianity could not exist. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was the ultimate accomplishment that distinguishes Him from all other religious leaders past and future. No other religious figure in history predicted their own death and resurrection—and then fulfilled it.

The significance of Jesus’ resurrection lies in its fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus foretold His resurrection “And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”, (Mark 8:31), as did the Old Testament (Psalm 16:10-11;Isaiah 53:12). Crucifixion under Roman rule was a brutal form of execution. Many individuals were crucified for various offenses and for defying Caesar. Therefore, the crucifixion and burial of Jesus were not unique events, as many others faced similar fates. However, the bodies of those individuals remain in their tombs.Jesus’ tomb is empty «And certain of them who were with us went to the sepulcher, and found it even as the women had said: but Him they saw not.», (Luke 24:24). If Jesus had never risen from the dead, there would be no compelling reason to believe that He is who He claimed to be. However, the reality is that He did rise again, affirming His assertion of being God (Matthew 27:63; Matthew 28:6).

The resurrection of Jesus is crucial because our justification depends on it. “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” «who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.», (Romans 4:25). A deceased Savior cannot offer salvation, but we have a living Savior who justifies us and intercedes for us, as seen in Hebrews 7:25.

The resurrection of Jesus is foundational to our faith. First Corinthians 15 provides a detailed explanation of the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. Verse 14 declares, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Indeed, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (verse 17), and those who have died believing are “lost” (verse 18).

Jesus rose from the dead, and Paul presents this event as the sole basis for hope in this life. Christ was the first to rise permanently from the dead «But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.», (1 Corinthians 15:20), paving the way for a future resurrection for all believers (verses 22–23). Jesus’ assertion that He has the power to grant eternal life is trustworthy because He Himself overcame death.

Read (Romans 8:11; John 3:16-18; 10:28).