The importance of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus

The Christian Faith is built around one immutable and immovable fact, that without it, it is reduced to nothing but folly. And that one thing, of course, happens to be the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now it is, the Lord Himself, who said on a number of occasions that he would 'suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribesand be killed, and after three days rise again.'  That is what he taught them on a regular basis concerning His own mission. And look at the third aspect of this statement: 'and after three days rise again' a clear fact. Now we consult the late English preacher whom God used in the 19th century; Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who said the following on this matter:
"The resurrection of our divine Lord from the dead is the corner-stone of Christian doctrine. Perhaps I might more accurately call it the key-stone of the arch of Christianity, for if that fact be disproved the whole fabric of the gospel would fall to the ground.'  Upon quoting the words of 1 Corinthians 15, in his introduction, to a sermon on Colossians 3:1-2. And He is precisely right and correct in his statement and every word counts. It is the "corner-stone" and the "touch-stone" of the Faith. It is the very thing that gives any-one hope in a world of total and utter chaos. Where everything is in a continual spiral of anarchy we have this one beacon of goodness to offer people. 

(1)  To release Jesus from the agony of death. For as we read: 'But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.'    Acts 2v24.   Here we have one of the most important aspects with regards to what took place in the death and resurrection. The first important truth that the scriptures teaches is this: the resurrection acted as means to render death inoperable in the case of Christ. And because it cannot hold him; or to put that another way: it cannot keep him under its dominion. He is now free from it, and has no power over him any longer as it once did prior to that point.  
This is, in a sense, the first victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.

(2) To thwart the evil intentions of men. This we can read here: 'but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.'
Acts 3v15   In the case of any man it is God's will that his appointed judges put such man who is guilty of a serious crime to death; but in the case of the sinless Son of God it was God's will not only that he be put to death as a substitute; but that He would rise from grave to vindicate his holy name and procure salvation his people. And in doing this, God used men to accomplish one part but over-rided that by raising him from the dead. And it was unto his glory.
This is, in a sense, the second victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.

(3) To fulfil Scripture. Now we come to a vital matter as we read: 'For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.'   1 Cor. 15v3-4    For any passage of scripture to have a statement once is a wonderful thing; but to have it more than one is amazing. it is very significant. It shows that this is something one must believe in order to even be a Christian. But beyond this, it is the most vital way to demonstrate the truthfulness of a claim to the Jewish person to go to their sacred scriptures and show Christ is whom He is. The divinely reveal saviour of men who died and rose as it is prophesied in the Divine writings. A truly marvellous thing it is indeed.
This is, in a sense, the third victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.

(4) Because it was not possible for him to remain in death. Here is the crux of the Christian faith.  We read this once again: 'God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.'  Acts 2v24. For  if Christ had not been raised from the dead, as we know and believe, then he would be just like every other human being when death took him. But there is one thing which we can be certain of: The bible cannot be shown to be in error on this matter as it is God word. All other theories are pure human speculation. All other claim of religions of man are pure speculation because Christ rose from dead to be our means of Justification. And as the Lord said: 'I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.' In other words, Christ is the only means of salvation; and therefore, he could not remain in death.
This is, in a sense, the fourth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.

(5) Because he chose to live again. Look at what we are told in this statement: ' For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.' (John 10:17)  This is one of the most important statements in the gospel of John. For in its context, we are given something of a most wonderful picture of the God we serve; the Triune God of creation. The whole context speaks of the eternal relationship of the members of the Trinity in a grand way. And therefore, proves the Divinity of the Son in a clear fashion which is undeniable. Beyond this, coming to the subject at hand. There is, in this single verse, attestation to that self-same truth regarding his Divinity from another angle: and that is the authority he has over his own life. No other man has this authority. Therefore, it proves that He is who he is by the fact of his resurrection. Let us thank God for this one act of resurrection.
This is, in a sense, the fifth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.

(6) That the Spirit might be sent. Now this is very important point to be made. Christ's death and resurrection provided the grounds for the coming of the Holy Spirit. For if He had not died and risen again, then the work of the Spirit in the lives of the believers would be virtually useless. But the historical nature of the death and resurrection of the Lord is what makes the fact of the Spirit even more pertinent. It is as we are told in these words: 'Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.' (John 7: 39)  Or these words: 'Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.' (John 16:7)  There is this promise that must be fulfilled; and it is Christ's resurrection is the very action that guarantees it. 
This is, in a sense, the sixth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.

(7)  That the church might become world-wide. In the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, we have one of the most important and central lessons to get ahold of. And that is this: the church has its impetus for coming into being. Look at how it is put before us: 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' (Matt. 28: 18-20)  All that we read of in this statement has it basis for existence in one thing. What is that thing? All we have the answer in verses 5-6 where the angel states: 'Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.' There is the impetus: Christ's resurrection is the means and power that brought the church into existence.
This is, in a sense, the seventh victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.

(8) That he might be seen ascending into heaven.  Look at how these two scriptures speak on this issue: 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.'  And 'While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy,'  Acts 1v11, Luke 24v50.  The resurrection was in a most glorious manner is what provided the great impetus for the Ascension. What is it that this act of Ascension proves? Well, that He was indeed from the Father and was returning to His true position as the one that eternally rules and rains; but it likewise points to the fact He was to provide a third role as the Messiah: a great high-priest who intercedes on behalf of us unto the Father. And finally resurrection gave the ascension one last focus: the coming of the Holy Spirit. These are the main points.
This is, in a sense, the eighth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.

(9) That he might be invested with power. Now this is an important truth to hold up. Notice the verse that is put before us: 'who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,' Rom. 1v4.  That is a most glorious statement. And Paul has his own particular way to express the truth. But he is not alone: Matthew 28 states it as well; so too does John in the 5th chapter it is most glorious matter indeed. And it is in and through and by the Resurrection that this power, this authority has been granted of Jesus Christ. We must, as Christians, be tankful for this matter.
This is, in a sense, the ninth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.

(10) To signal coming judgement. Look at this verse: 'because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.' (Acts 17v31) Now let us not neglect the real term which is the key here; it is not the fact of the resurrection; nor the future judgement in and of themselves. Though they are very important truths to discuss. It is, in fact, the statement: 'he has given assurance to all'  without this we would only know that Paul has mention these two facts of the faith. This statement gives us the real issue concerning these matters; the real link between them. the resurrection is the thing that sets in motion the time that is left for people to repent before or until the day of Judgement. It's truly amazing.
This is, in a sense, the tenth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it. 

(11) For our justification.  Let us be very clear on this issue; when it comes to the atonement: Justification by Faith and all it encompasses is the central truth that we come to know. Look at the way the Apostle put it: 'It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.'  And then in this other passage the Apostle states: 'And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.'  (Romans 4v25, 1 Cor. 15v17)  What is the point being made here? Simply this, If Christ was not raised; then our justification is undone and we are still sinners like all other people in this world that we find ourselves in. But we know with certainty that the resurrection did take place for God promised it and he has come through on His promise. God be true and everyone a liar. The scriptures are true.
This is, in a sense, the eleventh victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it. 

(12) So that we might receive new life.  Here we have one of the most important truths regarding the Christian faith. In the scriptures, we are given many a promise that is founded upon the sole work of Christ upon the cross which is mediated to us by the Holy Spirit. Unlike other faiths that promise thing but never delivers; Christianity makes promises and comes through on them. And here is one: New life. Earlier in the chapter we read this: 'Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.'  There it is. The following verses spell out the position that we have been granted; and then we get this all important statement: 'For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.'  (Rom. 6v14) It is a new life that is completely dominate not by the law but by grace. 
This is, in a sense, the twelfth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it. 

(13) So that we might live in fellowship with Christ. Let us look at this verse: 'I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal. 2v20) There is the most powerful witness to the believer's union with Christ in these words. In fact, it is such a beautiful picture. And though it is said by Paul of himself; and that is true. There is a grand application to each and every believer down the centuries until today. The resurrection is the very thing that brings this truth into reality and our experience. And like that of Romans 6:6-7 this is something Christ done for you; and it was done in the past. It is of such a nature that every true believer can stand with Paul in saying these words: 'I have been crucified with Christ....' and know that it is solid thing; that it is a done thing.
This is, in a sense, the thirteenth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it. 

(14)  So that he might serve as our high priest. Let us note these words: 'We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.' (Heb. 6v19-20) The point is very clear in this: the resurrection was the impetus and foundation work of this great office of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is primarily the heavenly aspect of his work; there is an aspect in which is deeply intwined in the cross-work. But it is that work and the resurrection that made this further work. Look at another verse which gives us some of the same information to this truth it is found in 1 Timothy 2:5-6.  This is a most precious thing which we must always hold onto.
This is, in a sense, the fourteenth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it. 

(15) That death might be destroyed. Let us note one of these passages which puts forth this matter: 'and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,'(2 Tim 1v10).  That is the a grand truth.  Let us notice the key statement that captures our attention 'Jesus, who abolished death' it is a verified fact about what Christ done for his own people. In His death he bought death to an end for those whom were and are united with Him. This is the grand truth that is be seen in many passages such as the following one, 'When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”' (1 Cor. 15v54) This, then, happens to be pre-dominant theme of the whole scriptures. Look at Romans 6:1-6 for example. It is a very precious truth and most welcoming thing.
This is, in a sense, the fifteenth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it. 

(16) So that believers might be raised from death. Here we have this most wonderful promise given to us; and it is anchored in the second work of Christ: 'But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.'  (1 Cor. 15v20)  This is the great thing that the resurrection guarantees. The first was that he was and is the Son of God who came to give his life as a ransom for his people. This is the second, that through the resurrection, God has been true to his word that he will bring His people to glorification at the second coming. And Christ is the glory of the Father. And this promise is something that we can hold onto as a certain reality based on the fact of the resurrection of our Glorious Lord.
This is, in a sense, the sixteenth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.  

(17) That he might go and prepare a place in heaven for us. And so we come to the final reason for the resurrection; and in many ways this is what every other reason has been working unto and paving the way for. Let us look at the statement in John 14: 'Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.' (John 14v1-3)  Now while it is true; and it must be made clear that we do not know everything about the life to come. But what is clear; and what is knowable is the fact that it is only those who believe in Christ as the risen saviour that will enter what is to come: Heaven. The New heavens and Earth. And it is in this promise that Christ gives his people that is to be fulfilled in a time to come.  Let God be praised for all that He is doing here and now and in the times to come.
This is, in a sense, the seventeenth victory that he won on behalf of the believer. And it is our right to glory in it.  


Conclusion.
This is the reason why Christianity stands because it is based on this one immutable fact: the Biblical and Historical event of the resurrection. This is not just some theory or idealism; it is in fact a biblical truth and Historical reality. Any kind of argument against only demonstrates two things: (a) that such arguments are nothing but speculation based on humanist reasoning and are invalid. (b) that leads to the fact that the only answer is this: that it happened as the bible makes plain.