by Rev. Dr. Aric Fenske
“And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14).
If Christ has not been raised, then everything we believe falls apart.
If Christ has not been raised, then He is not God in the flesh, the things we’ve learned from the Bible aren’t true, and there is no hope of life beyond the grave.
If Christ has not been raised, then nothing else matters.
If Christ has not been raised, then every human life is nothing more than a futile march toward decay.
If Christ has not been raised, then there is no reason to defend the unborn, the destitute, and the dying.
If Christ has not been raised, then “we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:19).
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).
Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead.
The stone has been rolled away and the tomb is empty.
Our sins have been forgiven, Satan has been disarmed, the sinful world has been overcome, and death itself has been destroyed.
Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead, which means that our sins are forgiven, the doors of heaven have been flung open, and even though we die and decay, we will live again.
Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead, which means that the gates of hell itself cannot prevail against Christ and His Church.
Today, Christ gives meaning to life.
He gives purpose to our work of defending life at every stage.
Today, Jesus gives us hope.
The end of the story has already been written, and Jesus wins.
And we win with Him.
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).
Blessed Easter to all from Lutherans For Life!
