THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE EMPTY TOMB

Dearly Beloved,

THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE EMPTY TOMB

“Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen” (John 20:6-7 NIV).

After the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ, His disciples did not have any hope that He would be raised from the dead on the third day. No wonder, the women that had been ministering to the needs of Jesus Christ and His disciples when they were in Galilee came to the tomb where Jesus was placed after His crucifixion to anoint His dead body. Apparently, this was their last honour to the crucified Christ. Nevertheless, they were surprised to learn from the angels they met in the tomb that Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. Even, the apostles found it difficult to believe (see Luke Luke 24:1-12). He is now alive! However, what are the implications of this empty tomb? Does it have any difference today if Jesus Christ is dead or alive? After all, all the famous world religious founders are dead. What if Jesus Christ has not been raised from the dead?

In 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Apostle Paul gave some implications. The basis of Christian message and life is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Christian message would be useless if Christ has not been raised. The Christian faith rests on the crucified and resurrected Jesus Christ. Such faith in Christ would have been useless - empty, without cause, without success if Christ has not been raised.

Furthermore, preachers of the gospel are notorious liars (false witnesses) if Christ has not been raised. The Scriptures would also be one of those misleading literatures in the world. If Jesus Christ has not been raised from the dead, His death would be useless, and we would still be in our sins and still carry the guilt and condemnation of sin. The reason is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the proof that His death actually atoned for our sin. There are many promises about resurrection in the Bible. If Jesus Christ has not been raised from the dead, then such promises are vain promises and the departed and even the living Christians would find themselves in hell. Eternity would have been an illusion. If is so, then Christians should be pitied most because all reasons and purposes for life itself are destroyed. If Christians have hope only for this life, unbelievers are better off than then. It would have been most disastrous for them.

Praise the Lord! The tomb of Jesus Christ is empty on the third day! He is alive! He has defeated sin, death, and the devil!

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

NB

This is an adaptation of the message “IF JESUS CHRIST HAS NOT BEEN RAISED.” I will send the full text of this sermon to you upon request. Send your request directly to me at . God bless you!