Since the beginning of time dates and events in history have come and gone. Some to this day we remember and celebrate, others just remain in the past as a distant memory. On July 2, 1776 we celebrated the birth of the United States of America and its new found independence. Each year on July 4, we remember this historic day with cookouts and fireworks. On the third Monday in January, America remembers the life and legacy of the great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We remember and try to strive for the dream that he dreamt of. And although the dream hasn't been fully realized yet, we hope to one day to live in a nation where the dream is finally realized. As I looked through dates and times in history, and I looked through our calendar year to see what we will celebrate, I have come to the conclusion that there is one event in human history that stands above the rest. It is an event that is foundational to the gospel. And that is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In his letter to the Church at Corinth, Paul writes that Christ died for our sins, was buried and raised to life on the third day. For, by man came death (Adam), by man also came the resurrection of the dead. It is because Christ rose from the dead that we have access to eternal life. We have been redeemed and reconciled back to the Father. Because of the resurrection, when we die we know that we will live again, and we will reign with Christ forevermore.
Now I know you're wondering, how can I make a bold statement by saying that the resurrection of Christ is the most important date in all of human history? Well, it's simple, I can say that because I believe and I know I'm right about it. If Christ is not risen, then our faith is vain and we are still in our sins. And those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost forever. But now Christ has risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
A British Lawyer, Sir Edward Clarke said this:
"As a lawyer I have made up a long study of the evidences for the events of the first Easter Day. To me the evidence is conclusive, and over and over again in the High Court I have secured the verdict on evidence not nearly so compelling. Inference follows on evidence, and the truthful witness is always artless and disdains effect. The Gospel evidence for the resurrection is of this class, and as a lawyer, I accept it unreservedly as the testimony of truthful men to fact that they were able to substantiate.”
