The whole system of Christianity rests upon this fact: "Christ is risen from the dead!" For Scripture declares, "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless, and your faith is also useless. You are still in your sins."

The divinity of Christ finds its surest proof in his resurrection. He was "declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead." Mark this well—it would not be unreasonable to doubt his deity if he had not risen!

Moreover, Christ's sovereignty depends upon his resurrection. "For this very reason Christ died and returned to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living." His lordship was sealed when he conquered the grave.

Again, our justification—that choice blessing of the covenant—is linked with Christ's triumphant victory over death and the grave. "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." See how your standing before God hangs upon an empty tomb!

Nay, more! Our very regeneration is connected with his resurrection. We were "given new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." The same power that raised Christ has raised your dead soul to life.

And most certainly, our ultimate resurrection rests here: "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." If Christ be not risen, then we shall not rise. But if he be risen—and he is!—then those who sleep in Christ have not perished, but in their flesh shall surely behold their God.

Thus, the silver thread of resurrection runs through all the believer's blessings, from regeneration onwards to eternal glory, and binds them together. How important then will this glorious fact be in your estimation! How you will rejoice that beyond a doubt it is established: "Now is Christ risen from the dead!"

"The promise is fulfilled, Redemption's work is done, Justice with mercy's reconciled, For God has raised his Son."