Important truths so that you don’t rely on your own strength, 2 – He Raised Jesus from the dead.

The only time in this whole letter does the author refer specifically to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus is here.

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)

It is the centre of what we believe. It is the offence of the gospel. It is why there is only one way to heaven through Jesus Christ. It is why Jesus is more than a prophet. It is why Jesus is the Son of God, God himself. It is why those who put their trust in him will never die but be raised to new life.

This one thing, the resurrection of Jesus.

It is what unites and divides.

Resurrection, it is not only the foundation of our faith but the true essence and meaning for our faith.

Why so?

If Jesus Christ was not raised then he lied about his own resurrection (Mark 9:31).

If Jesus Christ was not raised then the cross has no power to save (1 Corinthians 15:3).

If Jesus Christ was not raised then there is no hope that anyone be raised (1 Corinthians 15:18-19).

If Jesus Christ was not raised then God who raises the dead has not vindicated him (1 Corinthians 15:20).

If Jesus Christ was not raised then sin and death cannot be defeated (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

If Jesus Christ was not raised then there is no new life in God now (Romans 6:4).

You speak to people today and many will hold to a nice thought that people are still alive after their death. But it is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and all of the effects of that amazing act which changes everything.

1. Every mistake, every failure, every regret needs to be brought to look at the empty tomb of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus makes everything okay.
2. All your question marks, the decisions for your future, wondering which way to go and what to do needs to be brought to look at the empty tomb of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus gives purpose to your life.
3. Every challenge, every obstacle, every enemy needs to be brought to look at the empty tomb of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus gives power to you to overcome whatever you are facing.
4. All your fears, perhaps even life-threatening diseases, infirmity and old age creeping in, they all need to be brought to look at the empty tomb of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus gives eternal life to you no matter what you are carrying or however old you are.

No need to rely on your own strength because Jesus has been raised by God!