The Implications of the Resurrection (or lack thereof) #2

What if the resurrection didn't happen? Would the Christian faith fall apart?

Many today are attempting to find ways to say "no" to this question. In a lecture by D.A. Carson entitled Rumors of Resurrection he recounts a recent response by a prominent religious leader in Australia (I think it was an Anglican bishop). In an interview with the media, this bishop was asked if it could be proven that Jesus' body was found and that the ressurection was nothing more than a legend, if that would ruin his faith? The bishop responded with a confident "no" explaining that it would not change the fact that "Christ had risen in his heart."

While this kind of metaphorical reading of the resurrection may be very attractive to many (mostly because it is a safe, non-threatening interpretation that fits in nicely with a post-modern worldview that detests the idea of absolute truth or an exclusive savior), it is important for us and those we interact with to understand that this is not the biblical position.

Apparently the bishop I mentioned earlier had not spent much time in 1 Corinthians (or simply ignored it). In 1 Corinthians 15 (which by the way is the earliest report of the resurrection- within 15-20 years of the crucifixion), Paul answers the question with undeniable clarity:

15:14 "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain."

15:17 "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins."

15:19 "If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."

A resurrection-less gospel is not a gospel at all! If Christ only died but did not rise, we have no good news. As Paul points out later in the chapter, without the resurrection, we may as well live by the philosophy "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." If Christ was only a good teacher, or an admirable martyr, we are still in the dark, without hope. Even if we lived our lives following his good example, if he is not a living savior, he is not a savior at all, and we are all just fooling ourselves-- like cancer patients imagining we will be cured by lifting weights and keeping a healthy diet!

But if the resurrection is true, we have a living savior who conquered death and sin! For those who are in Christ, this victory has already been applied to us positionally as Christ's righteousness is credited to us by grace through faith. We see the effects of this victory gradually in this life in the process of sanctification. But the best is yet to come, when we will finally be able to fully taste the victory that Christ accomplished in his death and resurrection when we are united with him after death or upon his return.

The good news of Jesus Christ is truly "a glorious gospel" (1 Timothy 1:11) worth living for, and dying for.

I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow

John Newton (1725-1807) is famous for being the former slave trader-turned-pastor who penned the words to the well-known and beloved hymn "Amazing Grace." He was also a mentor to the great abolitionist William Wilberforce and to the hymnist William Cowper, and for many years pastored a congregation in Olney, England, where he was noted for his outreach to the poor and for his preaching.

As this poem reveals, he was a probing contemplative as well as a gifted lyricist. He had a powerful understanding of the Gospel, and he captures well the struggle with sin and the surprising ways in which God answers our prayers for growth in holiness. 

I asked the Lord that I might grow,

In faith and love and every grace,

Might more of His salvation know,

And seek more earnestly His face.

It was He who taught me thus to pray,

And He I trust has answered prayer.

But it has been in such a way,

As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favored hour,

At once He'd answer my request.

And by His love's constraining power,

Subdue my sins and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel,

The hidden evils of my heart.

And let the angry powers of hell,

Assault my soul in every part.

Yes, more with His own hand,

He seemed, Intent to aggravate my woe.

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,

Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

"Lord, why is this?" I trembling cried.

Will You pursue Your worm to death?"

"This is the way" the Lord replied,

"I answer prayer for grace and strength."

"These inward trials I employ,

From self, and pride, to set you free;

And break your schemes of earthly joy,

That you may find thy all in Me."

—John Newton