Have you ever stopped to consider the consequences of an un-resurrected Jesus? According the Holy Spirit, through the pen of the apostle Paul, the tragedy that would exist would be completely devastating.
In 1 Corinthians 15, we learn of at least six consequences to an un-resurrected Jesus.
- The preaching of the apostles is vain (v. 14)
- Not only would they have wasted their time and energy, this fact alone would mean their sermons recorded in the New Testament would have been in vain as well, undermining the credibility of the Scriptures.
- The faith of the believers is vain (v. 14, 17)
- If you placed your belief and hope in Christ, then it’s useless without His resurrection.
- The apostles are false witnesses (v. 15)
- This undermines the concept of the Holy Spirit inspiring the apostles and ultimately the Scriptures.
- All in the world are still in their sins (v. 17)
- Forgiveness is based upon the resurrection. If there’s no resurrection, then there is no blood applied by our High Priest. (Hebrews 10)
- Those who have died have perished (v. 18)
- They have no hope and no future. Their story comes to a complete end.
- Those who hope in Christ are the most pitied. (v. 19)
- Many have sacrificed so much, including their lives, for the resurrected Savior. However, if Jesus was never raised from the dead, their lives, and some of their deaths, have all been because they were misled and deceived.
Today, as many in America think about the resurrected Savior, may I encourage you to make everyday a day you thank God for the empty tomb. For it’s because of the empty tomb, you have hope, confidence, and forgiveness.
May God bless you this week as you walk with HIM!
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