1 Corinthians 15:12-14 English Standard Version

The Resurrection of the Dead

¹² Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? ¹³ But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. ¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.

This is perhaps the most crucial of all beliefs by faith. The promise of God of eternal life, to be with Him in eternity rest squarely upon our belief that Christ was resurrected from the dead. His resurrection is our promise of hope that we too will one day be resurrected from the dead.

John 20:24-31 English Standard Version

Jesus and Thomas

²⁴ Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

²⁶ Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” ²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of This Book

³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; ³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Believe by faith.

John 10:17-18 English Standard Version

¹⁷ For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Jesus was God the Father’s choice. Since the Father and Son were together before Jesus was born, God loves His Son. This comment by the Father is loving Him as a man. The Son of Man identity that God the Father loves is because He as a man was faithful to obey, even to His death of the Cross.

Matthew 26:39,42 English Standard Version

³⁹ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”  ⁴² Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”

If God was to experience what it meant to die, then the Son must die in order to understand everything that man must experience.

Hebrews 4:15 English Standard Version (ESV)  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus had to drink the cup of death. This is a point that is important to remember. Jesus declared at the Last Supper, do this in remembrance of me. We drink the cup of His death, the blood shed for the forgiveness of sin.

One last truth needs to be addressed. His resurrection.