Easter is more than just a holiday on the calendar. It’s a reminder of the day Jesus changed everything. According to worldview expert David Wheaton, the resurrection isn’t just a part of the Christian faith – it’s the whole package.
“As Paul says, if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain. Your faith also is vain if Christ has not been raised.(1 Corinthians 15:14-19)“
“No other religion would say, look if this didn’t happen, then just go home, forget it, it’s all over… it’s not reasonable. In other words, this is the linchpin. It’s saying, we’re so positive of this happening that if it didn’t happen, you can just call me the most to be pitied among men.”
Every aspect of the Christian faith points back to the belief that Christ defeated death and was raised from dead. The truth of His resurrection has an influence on the larger religious system as well as our personal faith.
“That’s why the resurrection is so important to the Christian faith, not just to the broad religious system, but to each of us personally. Because it gives us hope that we can have the same power over sin and death that Christ has. We can have forgiveness of sins, we can have eternal life in heaven, when we come to faith in Christ, repent of our sin, and put our faith in who He is and what He did for us on that cross 2,000 years ago.”
This week is a great opportunity to meditate on the truth of Jesus’ sacrifice. It’s not just a story to tell, but the real account of the perfect Son of God offering Himself in our place.
“For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:7-8
“We don’t like to do anything for anyone who offends us, let alone die for them! But that’s what Christ did. He left His perfect home, His Majesty in Heaven to come down and live among those He created. He was abused and crucified by those He created, which is incomprehensible in itself, and died for our sins.”
It’s important to apply these facts personally.
“It wasn’t the general sins of mankind–no, it was our sin that made Him want to go to the cross to die for us and that is just amazing love.”
David Wheaton is an author, radio host, and former professional tennis player. He’s also the host of The Christian Worldview, a weekly, nationally-syndicated radio program that airs on 150 stations. In addition, David is a contributing columnist for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and a sought-after speaker.
Why Easter matters
