Why the resurrection?

A core belief of Christianity is that Jesus died on the cross and then three days later rose again.
If Jesus was God then how could he die in the first place?
How is it significant that he rose to life again?

Firstly how can God die? Previously we've discussed Gods holiness and just anger against sin which is deserving of death. (“For the wages of Sin is death” Romans 3v23) We discussed that the only way for God to reconcile his holiness and just anger against sin and his love that desires that no-one should perish was to punish a perfect, sinless, sacrifice in our place.

“For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3v16

“He [Jesus] humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Philippians 2v8

Jesus Christ, part of the Godhead (I'll look at the trinity in a few days), humbled himself to take on human form and became obedient to death on the cross to pay the price of sin for all who believe.

“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” 1 Corinthians 15v14

As you can see above the fact of Jesus resurrection from the death is a fundamental belief in Christianity. Below are a few of its most important implications.

1. Christ's resurrection gives a certain hope to the resurrection of his followers

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1v3

Through his resurrection those who have faith have a 'living hope.' The Greek word which has been translated 'hope' here is a certainty. (not in the colloquial sense of 'I hope I'll get good grades') So we know as follows of Christ that we will be raised to life after our death on this earth as a certainty just as Jesus Christ was risen from the dead.

2. Christ resurrection proves that God has forgiven the sins of believers

“He [Jesus] was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” Romans 4v25

'Justification' is a term which describes God declaring people righteous - blameless before him. Jesus paid the price of the sin for all who believe in him (John 3v18) and his resurrection from the dead was Gods sign that he had accepted Christ sacrifice paying the penalty of sin in our place.

3. Christ resurrection proves his claims to be the Messiah

“Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” Matthew 16v21
Christ speaking to his disciples before his death.

“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Luke 24v36-47
Christ speaking to his disciples after his resurrection.

Jesus disciples presumed the Messiah would free Israel from Roman rule – they were looking for an earthly kingdom. Yet Jesus taught them how he must suffer and die to bring about a heavenly kingdom freeing people from the power of sin.

After Jesus death the disciples grand idea of freedom from Rome seemed dashed. Jesus bodily resurrection proved to them he was the Messiah, he was the Christ the son of God, and he sent them out to be witnesses to the world of this good news, the Gospel.