There is no doubt that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone for Christianity. Some might argue that Christian apologists should focus on proving the existence of God, but if Jesus is risen from the dead, then what He said about God is absolutely true and trustworthy. Some might argue that we should defend the inerrancy and inspiration of the Bible, but if Jesus is not risen from the dead, then all that was said about Him must be false. But if he is risen, then all that He said and all that was written about Him can be trusted.
The cornerstone is the resurrection of Jesus. Christianity holds that Jesus was the promised Messiah (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 9:6-7) who was born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-27; Isaiah 7:14), lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22), died a vicarious death (Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9; 10:10,14; 1 Peter 3:18; Revelation 1:5-6), and was buried in the tomb (Matthew 27:57-61). But we believe further that Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God (Matthew 28:5-7; Acts 2:32; 4:33; Romans 1:4; 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 2 Timothy 1:10). Jesus is alive and He now sits at God’s right hand where He ever lives to make intercession for the saints (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).
But in the midst of all the praise for the resurrection of Jesus, let us never forsake the fact that our faith is in the risen Jesus. I am not saved because of faith in theology or in the Bible, but ultimately I am saved because of the grace of God given to me in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). I am a Christian because of Jesus, His blood, His grace and mercy, and His intercession. Salvation is all about Jesus (Philippians 3:8-11).
Jesus is worthy to be praised and adored (Revelation 11:15). He has defeated sin and Satan (1 Corinthians 15:50-58; Hebrews 2:14). He is Lord of all (Revelation 17:14). He is the soon coming King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15-16; Hebrews 9:28) and He will reign forever and ever (Revelation 22:4). He is Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11). He is our righteousness before a holy God (Romans 3:21-27; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31) and His blood cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). He is the focus of our worship (John 4:24-25; Hebrews 12:1-2). He is the lamb of God who was slain for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:4-6; Mark 10:45; John 1:29).
So let us place our faith in the person of the Lord Jesus. He is alive and He is coming again for His people, and my prayer is “Come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
[Link to original post and comments at Roy Ingle’s website]
