The center point of the Christian life begins at the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” – 1 Corinthians 15:14.
Our faith is not in vain – as we read in Matthew 28: 5-6 “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.’
The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ are recorded in the New Testament.
- Mary Magdalene – John 20: 11-18
- Simon Peter – Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5
- The eleven disciples, minus Thomas – Luke 24: 36-43; John 20: 19-25
- The other Mary, Salome, Joanna, and at least one other woman – Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10
- Clopas and companion on the road to Emmaus – Luke 24:13-35
- The eleven disciples including Thomas – John 20: 26-29
- Seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberius – John 21:1-23
- Disciples and large gathering at a mountain in Galilee – Mathew 28:16 -17; 1 Corinthians 15:6
- James – 1 Corinthians 15:7
- Disciples (possibly in Jerusalem before He lead them out to the Mount of Olives, gave them Great Commission, and ascended into heaven – Luke 24:49-53; Acts 1:3-11
An additional appearance by the risen Christ occurs when he speaks to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-9,17).
We can be certain now that death is not the end. There is a future life for all who believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. This resurrection was the act of the Father (Acts 2:24), of Christ Himself (John 2:19), and of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 3:18).
“But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” – 2 Timothy 1:10
With the abolishing of death through our saviour Jesus Christ, we know we have eternal life – “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” (2 Corinthians 5:1).
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent”. – John 17:3
Eternal life is ours when we know God through Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life and all must come to the Father through Him (John 14:6).
We must have this faith because from faith we go on to believe; because we believe we pray; and through prayer we have trust in the assurances of God’s promises to us.