QUESTION:
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST?
ANSWER:
When the Lord Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead, He was able to prove that all His claims are true – He is the Messiah and the Son of the Living God!
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is the pivotal event that validates His identity as the Messiah and the Son of the Living God. Without the resurrection, the foundation of Christianity would crumble, leaving the faith void of its power and promise. As the Apostle Paul declared,
“And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Corinthians 15:14).
If the Lord Jesus Christ never resurrected, He would be the greatest hoax humankind might have ever known. But because He rose from the dead, He sealed all His claims to be genuine and true. The empty tomb is not a symbol of defeat but of victory. It stands as the definitive proof that the Lord Jesus Christ is who He said He is: the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and the Savior of the world.
The Resurrection Validates the Lord Jesus Christ’s Claims
Throughout His earthly ministry, the Lord Jesus Christ made profound claims about His divine nature and mission. He referred to Himself as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the way to eternal life. He got in trouble, in several occasions, when He made claims that He is God. However, these were not mere statements; they demanded proof. The resurrection is the ultimate confirmation of His identity and authority.
Romans 1:4 tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ was
“declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”
This divine endorsement sets Him apart from all others. Moreover, the Lord Jesus Christ predicted His own resurrection:
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19),
Here, he was referring to His body. The fulfillment of this prophecy further proves His words and mission.
The Resurrection Confirms the Lord Jesus Christ as the Messiah
The Jewish people had long awaited a Messiah who would deliver them and establish God’s eternal kingdom. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is the ultimate proof that He is that promised Messiah. Peter boldly proclaimed in Acts 2:36,
“God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Conquering death is a feat only the true Messiah could accomplish. The resurrection fulfills Old Testament prophecies and solidifies His role as the Savior and Redeemer.
What Happened After the Resurrection?
The resurrection was not a private or hidden event. After rising from the dead, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to many, providing indisputable proof that He was alive:
He first appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18)
Then to the other women (Matthew 28:8–10)
Later to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35)
He appeared to Peter (Luke 24:34)
To the disciples without Thomas (John 20:19–23)
Then to the disciples with Thomas present (John 20:26–29)
To seven disciples by the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1–14)
In 1 Corinthians 15:6, Paul records that the Lord Jesus Christ “was seen by over five hundred brethren at once.” He also appeared to James and finally to all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:7).
These post-resurrection appearances continued for forty days (Acts 1:3). During this time, He taught His disciples about the kingdom of God and gave them the Great Commission to preach the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:18–20).
Finally, in Acts 1:9, the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven while His disciples watched. Two angels appeared and declared that He would return in like manner (Acts 1:10–11).
The Resurrection’s Impact on Believers
The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is not only a historical reality but also the foundation of spiritual blessings and hope for every believer.
1. Assurance of Salvation
The Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection guarantees the believer’s justification. Romans 4:25 says He
“was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.”
His resurrection is God’s confirmation that the sacrifice was accepted, and that eternal life is now available to all who believe.
We have this hope of salvation because our Redeemer lives. As Job declared with confidence,
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth” (Job 19:25).
2. Victory Over Death
Through His resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ triumphed over death, offering believers the assurance of eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:20 states,
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
This victory over death is not symbolic; it is a literal promise of life beyond the grave.
3. Empowerment for Holy Living
Because the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead, believers are empowered to live transformed lives. Romans 6:4 tells us,
“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
The resurrection power enables us to live righteously and in obedience.
4. Intercession on Our Behalf
The resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ position Him as our eternal intercessor. Romans 8:34 assures us, “It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Believers are never alone; the Lord Jesus Christ is continually advocating on our behalf.
5. Hope for Future Resurrection
The Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection is a promise of our own future resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 says, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
Because the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead, we are confident that we will see our loved ones who also believed in Him. At the resurrection, we will be reunited with them in eternal glory. This hope brings comfort and peace amid earthly sorrow, reminding us that death is not the end for those in Christ.
See also: What Are The Benefits of The Resurrection of Jesus Christ to His Believers?
Final Thought: Jesus is He Who Said He is!
Jesus claimed to be the Messiah and the Son of the Living God. But here’s the thing—anyone can make a claim. Many throughout history have called themselves divine, enlightened, or chosen. But words are cheap. The real question is:
Could Jesus prove it?
And the answer is a resounding, thunderous YES!
How? By rising from the dead!
Let that sink in. The Lord Jesus Christ made the ultimate, outrageous claim—and then He backed it up with the ultimate, undeniable act. No other religious leader, no other founder of any faith, has ever conquered death. But Jesus did! On the third day, the tomb was empty. The grave was defeated. The Resurrected One walked among His disciples, ate with them, showed them His wounds, and appeared to over five hundred witnesses at once! (1 Corinthians 15:6).
The resurrection is not just a comforting story—it is God’s exclamation point on everything the Lord Jesus Christ said and did. It is heaven’s seal of authenticity, the cosmic declaration that everything He claimed—every word, every promise, every divine assertion—was absolutely true.
He didn’t just claim to be God.
He proved it. With power. With glory. With resurrection.
So now, the question is for us:
Will you believe it?
Will you worship Him not just as a man, not just as a teacher, but as the Risen Lord, the Son of the Living God, the Savior, the King of Kings, and God in the flesh?
The claims are bold. The evidence is overwhelming.
And the tomb is still empty.
