The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central fact and belief on which the Christian faith stands. Noted English author and theologian, Michael Green, makes the following statement: "Christianity does not hold the resurrection to be one among many tenets of belief. Without belief in the resurrection there would be no Christianity at all." Indeed, it is the resurrection of Christ that gives us our identity as Christians. Without it, our faith would have no foundation, no meaning, and no hope.
In 1st Corinthians 15, St. Paul addresses a troubling belief among some in Corinth. While they accepted Christ's resurrection, they denied the future resurrection of believers. Paul responds firmly: if there is no resurrection of the dead, then even Christ has not been raised (v. 13). Such thinking, he insists, is deeply flawed. Belief in Christ's resurrection and the resurrection of the dead are inseparable. This is why Paul declares that if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and our faith is futile (vv. 14, 17). The resurrection is not a peripheral doctrine; it is the very heart of our faith. If we doubt the resurrection of Jesus, the foundations of our lives and faith will begin to crumble.
But consider this: if Jesus had not risen from the dead, how would we explain the events of that first Easter morning? Would we, if we had been there, have believed or doubted? Even the disciples, those who knew Jesus most intimately, were not expecting the resurrection. Despite His repeated predictions, the reality of His death overwhelmed them. Their hopes were shattered; fear and despair took hold. The resurrection was the last thing on their minds. Ironically, while the disciples were gripped by grief and confusion, the religious leaders and Roman authorities seemed more alert to the possibility of a resurrection. As recorded in St. Matthew 27:62–66, they took precautions to secure the tomb, sealing it and setting guards. It is striking that the opponents of Jesus appeared more watchful than His own followers.
On that first Easter morning, those who loved Jesus most were filled with doubt. They did not expect the resurrection, and they needed convincing. What changed them? Jesus Himself. The risen Christ appeared to them alive, speaking, and present among them. The same Jesus they had seen crucified now stood before them. Their doubt gave way to certainty, their fear was transformed to courage, and their despair evolved into unshakable hope. They became witnesses of the resurrection, boldly proclaiming that Christ had conquered death and opened the door to new life for all humanity.
Easter, therefore, calls us to move from doubt to faith. It invites us to believe, not only that Jesus died for us, but that He rose again for our salvation. The tomb is empty, and that emptiness is not a sign of loss, but of victory. It proclaims that Christ is alive, reigning in glory, and dwelling within our hearts, renewing us with faith and hope. As we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, let us proclaim with joy and conviction: He is risen! He is risen indeed!
May we not only believe in the resurrection but also experience its transforming power each day of our lives. May the Risen Lord be with us and bless us all!