Duped?

It’s the most radical, audacious, absurd reality ever. Inconceivable. Mysterious. Wonderful.

It’s the tomb – the tomb that held Jesus Christ in his death. Three days later it emptied itself and released Him to life. Miraculous.

Yet some think such resurrecting commonplace. Typical. Normal stuff of the created order. The same type of process that happens with seeds, skin cells, leaves and the plants we eat. Life, then death, and then new life.(Bell, Love Wins, p.130-131)

Well, if the resurrection of Jesus is nothing special, then I’m a fool. And so is the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15). And so are those of you reading this who stake everything on the singular uniqueness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Have we been duped?

Absolutely not! The empty tomb was not normal. Rather, it is the fulcrum of history. The empty tomb is proof that Jesus trampled death by His death. His resurrection brings healing to our brokenness. The power of the empty tomb is fantastically miraculous and eternally effective. Jesus delivered the definitive word from God on sin and death. He displayed a love – that won. No one else could do it. Nothing else can. He alone traversed the chasm between death and life. And He invites us to join Him.

The reality of sin, death, Heaven and Hell remain. Charles Spurgeon said, “It is shocking to reflect that a change in the weather has more effect on some men's lives than the dread alternative of heaven or hell.” Hell is real. Final. Forever. There are no trial runs, second chances or changing of minds beyond this life (Hebrews 9:27). Hell is not governed by our sentimentalities or defined by our judicious ideologies. Hell is judgment and wrath. Hell preserves God’s holiness and true love. Jesus solidified the awful truth of Hell in the fulfillment of His passion. But His passion also brought rescue, restoration and hope.

Awake to the reality of sin, death and Hell. Awake to the necessity of the empty tomb. Death’s sting is gone. Victory is ours by grace through faith in the resurrection of Jesus.

The tomb is empty – and it makes all the difference.
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This song by Matt Maher celebrates the life-giving reality of the empty tomb. Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday!