Empty Tombs

If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

1 Corinthians 15:17

The moment Jesus rose from the dead, everything changed. How God related to people in the Old Testament (by speaking to the whole nation through prophets) gave way to the New (by speaking to people individually through the Spirit). God forgave the sins of those who chose to follow him. Death was defeated. Eternal life was certain. There was absolute proof Jesus was who he said he was, God and Savior.

The apostle Paul's' words to the Corinthian church remove the option of believing the Bible is collection of morality myths. His words do not allow for Jesus to be regarded as a prophet or a good teacher. Either Jesus rose from the dead, proving he was who he said he was and that he did what he said he would do, or your faith is useless. Paul, the writer of 1 and 2 Corinthians, went on to say that if Jesus did not rise form the dead, then Christians are to be pitied as the most miserable people on earth because they base their faith, their hope, and their purpose in life on a lie.

History says otherwise, however. More than five hundred witnesses saw Jesus alive after he died on the cross. The bodies of other great religious leaders, such as Buddha and Mohammed, remain dead in their graves. Only Jesus lives beyond the grave. This important verse is a subtle reminder that because of Jesus, one day you will too.

Through Jesus's death paid the price for people's transgressions, Jesus's resurrection is evidence of God's acceptance of that payment. Let Paul's words help keep you grounded in the historical facts that support your faith.

Pray that your wisdom on earth will not take away your victory with God in heaven. When mankind speaks of history and science they speak from wisdom derived from their own assessments; when God's people speak of history we speak of the Bible and the eternal truth. ~ MME Team