We started this series of messages—The Road to the Resurrection…on the first Sunday of January. What looked like a long journey has really gone by pretty quickly. We’ve arrived!

Our trip began with the story of creation in Genesis 1-2 and ends here this morning in 1 Corinthians 15. Along the way we stopped to examine things like man’s sin in the garden – the flood – Abraham – Joseph – the Passover – the Law and Tabernacle – the Promised Land – David – the birth of Jesus – the baptism of Jesus – Lazarus and today, the resurrection.

Hopefully—our examination of these events has allowed us to see that they are like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle…or better still, they’re like sections of a quilt, when put in the right place they form a beautiful picture of what God was doing throughout the pages of the Bible so that man could one day enjoy His fellowship in His heaven for all eternity.

Every passage of Scripture we’ve looked at from January until today has been for the purpose of pointing us in the right direction. That direction had a specific destination in view. That destination is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The resurrection of Jesus happened hundreds of years ago—but it was not without affect even today. As a matter of fact—His resurrection has had an effect on everyone here this morning. You might be a person who attends church on a regular basis and you’re here to worship the Lord for what He has done by way of the cross. Others might be here as a result from being asked by your mom or dad because it’s Easter. Either way— you can see the resurrection is not without affect.

Since you’re here today—I hope to focus your attention for a few moments on 2 aspects of the resurrection that could affect you forever.

1. The resurrection is part of an amazing plan.

In verse 1 Paul refers to this plan as the gospel. We usually refer to the gospel as—the good news of Jesus Christ. In other words—the gospel tells us some important things about the life of Jesus. In verses 3-4 Paul mentions 3 things about the gospel that we need to understand.

A. Jesus died for our sins.

The Bible teaches that as a rule—everyone has sinned against God (Rom 3:23). All of us have done something contrary to the His will or His Word…except for Jesus. He was tempted in every way like us…yet He had no sin (Heb 4:15). The Bible also teaches there is no forgiveness of sin without a sacrifice. Not just any sacrifice…but a perfect or sinless sacrifice is required. Note: animals were used for a while because they were without sin. When Jesus came He died for our sins. 

B. Jesus was buried.

Following His death on the cross Jesus was taken by some friends and placed in a tomb (John 19:38-42). Some people like to question whether or not Jesus was really died on the cross. I believe a simple answer is the Romans were well trained in death and dying…they would have known if He was just faking it. Plus the spear thrust into His side would have pierced His heart (John 19:34). Jesus was buried because He was dead and that’s how you properly care for dead people.

C. Jesus was raised on the third day.

Matthew tells us that early on Sunday morning Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to the tomb and discovered it was empty. There was an angel there and he said, “You are looking for Jesus—who was crucified…He is not here, He has risen just as He said” (Mat 28:1-6). Look at verses 5-8 and notice how many people actually saw the Jesus following His death. The vast number of eye-witnesses is one of the reasons why historians say there was no serious challenge to the validity of Jesus resurrection in his day.

All 3 of these things are part of God’s plan for our salvation. A plan that provides forgiveness for all of our sin. A plan that makes it possible for us to once again enjoy perfect fellowship with God. A plan that Jesus told His followers they would see unfold before their eyes (Mat 16:22). A plan that Peter said was put together before the creation of the world (1Pet 1:20).  

2. The power demonstrated in the resurrection can change your life.

What we see demonstrated in the resurrection is the amazing power of God to change death into life. Remember—the eye-witness testimony said—Jesus was dead…then He was made alive.

Paul’s telling us here in this passage that God’s amazing power can change us from death to life as well. You might be thinking to yourself, “I’m not dead…I’m sitting right here.” But—according to the Bible we’re all born spiritually dead to the things of God (Eph 2:1). Paul is also saying—I want to remind you of the power of the gospel message (Rom 1:16). It is the power of salvation (v2). Notice here 3 ways the gospel changes a person’s life.

A. Your past.

In verse 1 Paul says, “The gospel I preached to you…which you received.” When a person receives the gospel message they are changed. They are no longer who the used to be (2Cor 5:17). You experience a new start in life.

B. Your present.

In verse 1 Paul also talks about “the gospel on which you have taken a stand.” It’s through the gospel message that a person learns about God’s Spirit living in them. Gal 2:20 says, “Christ lives in me” and Phil 4:13 tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” As long as I’m presently living here on earth I know that I will never face difficulties or struggles of one day alone (Eph 3:20).

C. Your future.

In verse 2 Paul says, “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.” When a person truly invites Christ into their life they are sealed by God’s Spirit (Eph 1:13). In other words—they are promised a place in the city that God has prepared for all who accept the gospel message (Heb 11:16).

Since January we’ve been on a journey to the resurrection. The resurrection is like the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle or the last section sown into the quilt. It pictures for us the beauty of God’s plan of salvation. A plan that has the power to change your life forever. 

There’s a question that needs to be asked at this point. Have you ever personally experienced the power of the resurrection? Have you asked God to forgive you of your sin? Many have said that experiencing God’s forgiveness is like having the weight of the world lifted off their heart. Have you experienced something like that? If not you can!

The resurrection of Jesus has affected lives for centuries. Be a part of God’s plan of salvation through the power of the gospel message. You could very well be the piece that helps complete the picture.