Sermon Title: The Claim That Changes Everything
Text: (1 Corinthians 15:17–20) “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope[a] in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Introduction: The One Thing You Cannot Ignore
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just one doctrine among many—it is the doctrine that everything else stands or falls on.
The Apostle Paul essentially says: If the resurrection is not true, Christianity collapses. But if it is true, then it changes everything.
Tim Keller often framed it this way: “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that He said. If He didn’t rise, then why worry about anything He said?”
So the question is not: Is Easter meaningful?
The question is: Is it true—and what does that mean for you?
Here are Three Truths to Validate the Truth of the Resurrection:
1. The Resurrection Is Historically Credible
Christianity is not built on a philosophy.
It is built on an event.
Paul writes that Jesus appeared to many witnesses—people who were still alive when he wrote those words. In other words, he is saying: Check the evidence.
The resurrection account has all the marks of authenticity:
• Women are the first witnesses (which would not have been invented in that culture)
• The disciples are not heroic—they are fearful and doubting
• The tomb is empty, yet no body is ever produced
This is not the kind of story you make up.
This is the kind of story you report.
And here’s the key:
If the resurrection really happened, then Christianity is not just helpful—it is true.
[ In fact, Christianity to some is infuriating and dangerous]
2. The Resurrection Is Personally Disruptive
If Jesus rose from the dead, you cannot remain neutral.
Jesus doesn’t leave room for casual admiration.
C.S. Lewis makes this argument most famously in Mere Christianity, and it has become known as the “Liar, Lunatic, or Lord” argument. His point is simple but forceful: you cannot reasonably say Jesus was merely a good moral teacher.
Here are the core points Lewis makes:
• Jesus Made Radical Claims About Himself
Lewis emphasizes that Jesus didn’t just teach morality—He made astonishing personal claims:
• He claimed authority to forgive sins
• He accepted worship
• He spoke as if He were equal with God
• He said He would judge the world
Lewis writes:
“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher.” (Mere Christianity, p. 52)
Point: Jesus did not leave the option open to see Him as just a wise teacher.
• A “Good Teacher” Would Not Say These Things If They Were False
Lewis argues that if Jesus’ claims were not true, then they were seriously wrong—and a good moral teacher would not mislead people on something so central.
So if Jesus is not God, then one of two things must be true:
• He knew His claims were false ? Liar
• He did not know they were false ? Delusional (Lunatic)
Lewis famously says:
“You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.” (p. 52)
• The “Liar” Option Doesn’t Fit
Could Jesus have been lying?
Lewis rejects this because:
• Jesus’ teaching shows deep moral integrity
• He taught truth, humility, and righteousness
• He willingly suffered and died for His claims
People may die for a lie they believe is true—
but not for a lie they know is false.
Conclusion: It is highly unlikely Jesus was a deliberate deceiver.
• The “Lunatic” Option Doesn’t Fit
Could Jesus have been delusional?
Lewis argues no, because:
• His teachings are balanced, wise, and coherent
• He shows no signs of instability or irrationality
• His moral insight is unmatched in history
Lewis says believing Jesus is merely delusional is like calling Him
“on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg.” (p. 52)
Conclusion: His clarity and depth contradict the idea of madness.
The resurrection means He is not just a teacher—you cannot simply take His advice and move on.
It means:
• He is Lord, not just a life coach
• He is alive, not just remembered
• He has authority, not just insight
And that is deeply disruptive.
Because it challenges our control.
We want a God who fits into our plans.
The resurrection presents a God who redefines our plans.
It confronts us with this reality:
You are not your own.
You belong to the One who defeated death.
3. The Resurrection Is Eternally Transforming
Here is where the resurrection becomes not just true—but beautiful.
Paul says Christ is the “first fruits”—meaning His resurrection is not an isolated miracle. It is the beginning of a new creation.
The resurrection is not just about life after death—it is about the restoration of all things.
That means:
• Your sins are truly forgiven
• Your future is absolutely secure
• Your suffering is not meaningless
• Your body will be raised
• This broken world will be made new
The resurrection does not escape—it is renewal.
And that changes how you live right now:
• You can face suffering with hope
• You can forgive because you’ve been forgiven
• You can live with courage because death is defeated
Conclusion: The Only Three Options
Keller often reduced the response to Jesus to three options:
1. He rose—and you must trust Him
2. He didn’t—and you can ignore Him
3. You’re unsure—and you must investigate Him
But you cannot simply admire Him.
Final Appeal
If Jesus rose from the dead, then this is the most important truth in the world.
It means:
• You are more sinful than you ever dared believe
• Yet more loved than you ever dared hope
Because the cross shows the depth of your sin,
and the resurrection shows the certainty of your salvation.
Closing Illustration
Imagine a man drowning in the ocean. Someone throws him a life preserver, but he says, “I’ll consider it.”
That’s not how rescue works.
The resurrection is not an idea to consider.
It is a reality to respond to.
Deuteronomy 30:19 “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life, that you and your offspring may live,”
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
If You are risen—and You are—
then help us not to stand at a distance.
Give us courage to believe,
humility to surrender,
and joy to live in the power of Your resurrection.
Amen.
He is risen.
He is risen indeed.
