This past Sunday churches all over the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In America, we even have the Easter holiday weekend in which many schools take off at least a few days. This is a hugely important weekend, but why? Let me give you three reasons.

Without the resurrection…

1. We shouldn’t bother talking about Jesus. This is the Apostle Paul’s basic logic when he calls preaching vain (1 Cor. 15:14). The resurrection is the validation that Jesus is Lord. It proves beyond doubt that Jesus is exclusive and king. This is especially important in a culture of pluralism that claims many ways to God. The resurrection stands as the living proof that Jesus is the only way to be reconciled with God.
2. We lie about God’s character. Paul calls this misrepresenting God (1 Cor. 15:15) because we say God either can’t or won’t raise Jesus from the dead. We portray God at best to be powerful enough but unwilling, and at worst unable to raise Jesus. Thankfully, the resurrection displays God victorious power and steadfast loving kindness.
3. We have no way to be forgiven of our sins. Paul describes our faith in vain and we are still in our sins without the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:17). The resurrection is essential to the Gospel because it presents a living savior for whom we can trust. Without the resurrection, we place our hope in a dead martyr. Because Jesus is alive, He is able to forgive us of our sin through our union with Him.

Church lets be faithful to glory not only in the death of Christ, but also the resurrection. For more on this, listen to the Easter message here.