Why the Resurrection Matters

“… if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. … And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”
1 Corinthians 15:14; 17-19 (NIV)

How important is the resurrection of Jesus? Why does it matter so much? Paul answers the question in 1 Corinthians 15 with profound clarity! He says the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very cornerstone of our faith. Without the resurrection, our faith would be useless, and we would still be in our sins! Death would have won the day! Paul writes, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” Why? We would be powerless to change!

Resurrection power delivers us from sin’s grip on our lives. The Amplified Bible says, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more [certain], now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved (daily delivered from sin's dominion) through His [resurrection] life.” Romans 5:10

Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we are reconciled to God. The Bible calls that justification, and it means that we are now made right with God through Christ’s death. That settles our position for all eternity. But the resurrection affects our condition today! That’s why Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:19 (TLB) the way he did. “I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead….” The resurrection gives you a comeback capacity! Not even death could contain Jesus! Because He lives, we can experience a quality of life that knows no other explanation but Christ in us! His power transforms us into His very likeness. Through resurrection power, we are delivered daily from sin’s dominion. How? Paul described it with the picture of baptism. In Romans 6:4 (NLT), he said, “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” The life we now live is in Christ! In Galatians 2:20 (NIV), Paul described the exchanged life like this:
   “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  

The tomb is empty so our lives can be filled – filled with the fullness of Christ! Open your heart today to experience the risen Christ! When you have Christ, you have hope! You have a comeback capacity! Not even death can keep you down! He is your strength! Trust Him with whatever you’re facing to help you, and you will discover the difference the resurrection makes in your life!

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 Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.

Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.