Resurrection Changes Everything

Easter Sunday stands as the pinnacle of the Christian faith—a day when we proclaim with joy that Jesus is no longer in the tomb. He is alive! This isn’t just a historical event; it’s the foundation of our hope, the anchor of our purpose, and the defining moment of human history. Because Jesus rose from the dead, everything changes—our existence, our future, and our daily lives (Galatians 2:20; Acts 17:28). Unlike Lazarus, who was resuscitated only to die again (John 11:38-44), Jesus was resurrected to a glorified, eternal life. His victory over death isn’t a side note; it’s the heartbeat of Christianity. As Timothy Keller said, “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t, then why worry about any of what he said?”

But what if the resurrection never happened? What if it’s just a myth, as some claim? Picture yourself in a courtroom, weighing evidence for the most pivotal trial ever: Did Jesus rise? Eyewitnesses testify, historical records are presented, and your verdict will shape your eternity. If He didn’t rise, our faith collapses. If He did, it demands a response. Let’s explore the consequences of a world without the resurrection, the transformative benefits of its truth, and why it matters for you today.

The Apostle Paul tackles this head-on in 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, laying out the devastating fallout if Christ didn’t rise. Consider the stakes:

• Christ Himself Was Not Raised (1 Corinthians 15:12-13): If Jesus stayed dead, His claims—like predicting His resurrection (John 2:19; Matthew 12:40)—were lies. He’d be a fraud, not the Son of God. God would have no power over death, and the Bible’s reliability would crumble.
• Our Preaching Is Empty (1 Corinthians 15:14): Every sermon about Jesus would be worthless, mere words offering false hope. Preachers would be deluded, peddling a hollow story.
• Your Faith Is Worthless (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17): Without the resurrection, faith in Christ is:
  
  
  • Self-centered, just another feel-good philosophy.
  • Empty, lacking truth.
  • Ineffective, changing nothing.
  • Useless, serving no purpose.
  • Unimportant, carrying no eternal weight.
    It’s no better than a fairy tale, leaving us deceived.
    
    
• We Are Liars About God (1 Corinthians 15:15): Claiming God raised Jesus would be false witness, ascribing Him power He doesn’t have and inviting others into a lie.
• No Hope for the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:18): Loved ones who died in Christ would be gone forever, their graves final.
• No Hope for Us (1 Corinthians 15:19): We’d be the most pitiable people, building our lives on a delusion—no forgiveness, no freedom from guilt, no eternal life. Death would win.

If the resurrection didn’t happen, Christianity is a sham. But Paul doesn’t leave us there. He declares: Jesus did rise (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Peter, Mary Magdalene, over 500 witnesses, and Paul himself saw Him. This wasn’t a hallucination—it was real. Because He lives, the bleak picture above is overturned, and everything changes.

The resurrection isn’t just a past event; it’s a present power transforming our lives. Here’s what it means:

• New Life in Christ (1 Peter 1:3): Jesus’ resurrection brings a new quality of life—eternal, victorious, and available to us (Romans 6:4). His power works in us (Ephesians 3:20), breaking sin’s grip (Romans 6:14) and equipping us for ministry and daily living. We’re not stuck in old patterns; we’re alive in Him.
• Justification Secured (Romans 4:25): God raised Jesus to affirm that His sacrifice paid our sin debt in full. The resurrection is proof: we’re forgiven, accepted, and right with God. No guilt remains.
• Empowered Daily Living (1 Corinthians 15:58): Because Jesus lives, Paul challenges us to stand firm, live with purpose, and know our work for Christ is never wasted. We’re free from sin’s slavery (Romans 6:11-14) and called to focus on eternal things (Colossians 3:1-2). Victory isn’t just future—it’s now.
  
  

The resurrection rewrites our story. It’s not a distant hope; it’s a force shaping how we face trials, serve others, and trust God today. Because He conquered death, we can live boldly.

Absolutely. The resurrection is the linchpin of our faith, proving:

• God’s Power: He gives life to the dead, and we can trust Him completely.
• The Bible’s Truth: Every promise is reliable (Isaiah 55:11). If it’s right about the resurrection, we can believe every word.
• Our Faith’s Foundation: Jesus is who He claimed—Savior, Lord, God. Our confidence rests in truth.
• Forgiveness and Peace: We’re free from guilt and shame, reconciled to God.
• Eternal Hope: Our loved ones in Christ are alive, and we’ll see them again. Death is defeated, and eternal life is ours.
• A Transformed Life: The resurrection’s power shows in changed lives—yours and others’. When people see you rise above your past or find victory in defeat, it’s evidence Jesus is alive.
  
  

C.H. Mackintosh captured it: “There is power in the presence of a risen Savior to solve our difficulties, remove our perplexities, calm our fears, ease our burdens, dry our tears, meet our every need, tranquilize our minds and satisfy every craving of our hearts.” The world notices when this power shines through you—your resilience, your hope, your love. It’s proof the resurrection isn’t just history; it’s happening in you.

The resurrection isn’t a debate to win; it’s a truth to live. If you’ve trusted Christ, let His power shape your thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Don’t settle for a faith that’s just a nod to history—walk in victory. Share your story: why do you believe Jesus rose? Your changed life is your strongest case. If you’ve never placed your faith in Him, the invitation is open. Jesus is alive, offering forgiveness and new life. Will you receive it?

This week, make the resurrection your foundation. Live steadfastly, shine His light, and trust His promises. Because Jesus rose, everything changes—today and forever.

Memory Verse

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, ESV)

For more on this topic, listen to our sermon Resurrection Changes Everything: