The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day

If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead…1 Corinthians 15:14-20a

One of the questions that our kids always struggle with in confirmation instruction is: “What is the basis of our faith and life in Christ?” The answer they always want to give is Jesus’ death on the cross. And that is important! But it’s not the answer. The answer is: Christ’s resurrection. Why is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead the very foundation of our faith and life as Christian people?

1. Christ’s resurrection proves that he is the Son of God. Romans 1:4

2. Christi’s resurrection proves that his doctrine is true. John2:19; John 8:28

3. Christ’s resurrection proves that God the Father accepted Christ’s sacrifice as the reconciliation of the world. Romans 4:25

4. Christ’s resurrection proves that all Christians will rise to eternal life. John 11:25-25


If Christ had not been raised from death
Our faith would be in vain,
Our preaching but a waste of breath,
Our sin and guilt remain.
But now the Lord is ris’n indeed;
He rules in earth and heav’n:
His Gospel meets a world of need—
In Christ we are forgiv’n.

If Christ still lay within the tomb
Then death would be the end,
And we should face our final doom
With neither guide nor friend.
But now the Savior is raised up,
So when a Christian dies
We mourn, yet look to God in hope—
In Christ the saints arise!

If Christ had not been truly raised
His Church would live a lie;
His name should nevermore be praised,
His words deserve to die.
But now our great Redeemer lives;
Through Him we are restored;
His Word endures, His Church revives
In Christ, our risen Lord.

Let us pray:
Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.