And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still guilty of your sins. 1st Corinthians 5:17
So far in our Bible study together this week, we have looked at important questions regarding Jesus' death and resurrection such as “Did Jesus really die on the cross?” and “Did Jesus really rise from the grave?” and have answered them with an “Of course, yes.” Because Jesus really did die on the cross and rise from the grave, there is another question for us to ask of equal importance: “Why did He have to die and rise from the grave?” The answer to that question, put simply, is: us. He did it to rescue and save us when we were lost in sin and separated from Him without hope.
The apostle Paul taught about Jesus’ resurrection in 1st Corinthians 15. As he wrote this passage of Scripture, he made this profound statement: “If Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless” (verse 14). Everything about our faith hinges on the resurrection of Jesus. If He had not died and risen from the grave, He would not have been who He claimed to be. That is why Paul explained that if it weren’t for the resurrection of Jesus, our faith would be useless because Jesus and His death and resurrection are the pillars of our faith. Several verses later, Paul built on his teaching about Jesus' resurrection by saying, “If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still guilty of your sins” (verse 17). Why is the resurrection of Jesus so significant? It is significant because the resurrection of Jesus was necessary in order to rescue the world from sin. By His resurrection, Jesus not only paid for our sins through His death, but He also overcame sin and death. Make no mistake, the resurrection of Jesus makes all the difference.
We talk so often about Jesus’ resurrection, and it is such a fundamental part of our faith that, if we are not careful, we can lose sight of just how remarkable and world-changing it is. May we never get used to the power of Jesus demonstrated through His resurrection from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all for you and me and for the entire world. Yes, the resurrection makes all the difference.
When was the last time you praised God and thanked Him for the resurrection of Jesus and everything that it signifies? Take a few moments to do that now. Pray, thanking God for the life available through Jesus to all who place their faith in Him, all because Jesus conquered sin and death through His resurrection from the dead.
Prayer Prompt: Use this prompt to guide you as you pray.
“God, as I reflect on the power of Jesus’ resurrection, I worship You because…”
Going Deeper
1st Corinthians 15:12-19
12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
©2026 Sagebrush Church
