Joel M Bradshaw

 16For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.–1 Corinthians 15

1. If Jesus has a grave that He is in, then He is a martyr, not a sacrifice.
2. If Jesus is still dead, then I have no hope of Heaven.
3. If Jesus is still in a grave, then what assurance do I have that my sins being forgiven actually matters?
4. A hope for this world alone is a pitiable hope. We deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Jesus now. Our hope is eternal life with Jesus in Heaven.
5. But, Jesus resurrecting is the guarantee that in Him, you and I will one day resurrect. If Jesus was still dead, I have no hope. Or it would just feel like empty words.
6. Jesus and Adam are both federal heads in that they affect all. Adam’s headship brought sin and death. Jesus brings eternal life for all who belong to Him.
7. Do you believe in the resurrection of Jesus? It’s easily the most important miracle in the Bible for it is the basis of your hope. Where is your hope set, on things temporal or on things eternal?–JMB