Read: 1 Corinthians 15
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. (v. 20 NRSV)
To put it in a considerable understatement: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the most significant event in the history of the world. The earth-shattering thing that happened on this day changes everything.
The apostle Paul says it best: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead” (vv. 17–20 NRSV).
If Christ has not been raised, all of our past sin still hangs over us like a dark rain cloud on a November day. If Christ has not been raised, our most articulate creeds are not worth the ink used to print them. If Christ has not been raised, I sure hope you enjoy your life because there is nothing more afterward. If Christ has not been raised from the dead, those whom we have loved and lost we have actually lost forever.
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead. And because he has been raised, everything is different: sin is defeated, death is conquered, and we live in hope. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! —Jon Brown
As you pray, worship and adore Jesus Christ, the living one, and rejoice in the gift of your salvation!
About the Author
Jon Brown
Jonathon Brown is the lead pastor of Pillar Church in Holland, MI. Jon loves preaching (recently publishing a book on the matter—“Missional Preaching with a Missionary Congregation: the Word in Worship for the World”) and loves walking with people through all of life’s circumstances. He loves to invite people to follow Jesus in community on mission.Jon and his beloved wife, Kristyn, are the proud parents of four daughters.
