What If Jesus Didn't Rise from the Dead?

May, 2002

by: Jeff Jones

I heard a sermon not too long ago on the resurrection, which has made me wonder, “What if Jesus didn't rise from the dead?” What would that mean for us Christians? Here is what I found:

If Jesus didn't rise from the dead then…

1. He is not the “Holy One” of God. Psalms 16:10 says that God's Holy One will not undergo decay.
2. He was a liar. Jesus said on numerous occasions that He would suffer, but rise again three days later (cf. Mk. 8:31, 9:31, 10:33-34).
3. He is not the Son of God (Rom. 1:4). Christ's resurrection was the most conclusive demonstration that He is the very Son of God.
4. We have no basis for our justification (Rom. 4:25). The resurrection provides proof that God will be able to justify (i.e. declare to be righteous) those who are sinful.
5. We have no basis for our sanctification. Romans 6 explains that we have been identified with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We died with Christ to our sin, and were raised with Him to a new spiritual life (Rom. 6:4).
6. Our faith is empty, void, and meaningless (1 Cor. 15:14).
7. Those who proclaim Christ as risen are calling God a liar, since they are saying God did something, which He in fact did not do (1 Cor. 15:15).
8. We are still in our sins (1 Cor. 15:17).
9. We have no basis for our future resurrection and glorification (1 Cor. 15:20-23, 50-54).
10. Our Savior, King, Helper, Redeemer, Friend, and our God is dead. Praise God for the resurrection!!