He Is Risen!

This morning’s newspaper quotes a few local ministers’ statements about the resurrection. They claim Christ’s resurrection was only symbolic; it didn’t actually happen.

What gobbledy-gook!

Do you think the apostles exchanged fear for courage because the resurrection was symbolic?

Do you think Peter, who denied the Lord, later boldly summoned thousands of Jews to repent and believe on Christ because the resurrection was symbolic?

Do you think Stephen accepted martyrdom calmly and prayed for his assailants because the resurrection was symbolic?

Do you think Saul of Tarsus laid aside his venomous hatred of Christ’s followers and became a leader among them because the resurrection was symbolic?

Do you think Saul of Tarsus prayed on the Damascus Road, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” because the resurrection was symbolic?

Do you think Saul of Tarsus became Paul, the apostle, and endured intense persecution and embraced martyrdom because the resurrection was symbolic?

Do you think the apostle John passionately prophesied Christ’s return and prayed, “Come, Lord Jesus,” because the resurrection was symbolic?

Do you think thousands of Christians have laid down their lives for the sake of the gospel because the resurrection was symbolic?

Do you think missionaries have left the comfort and security of home and ventured to distant countries, including dangerous places, because the resurrection was symbolic?

Three weeks ago, my friend Cal died. His last words were, “Praise the Lord!” Do you think he spoke those words because the resurrection was symbolic?

Move over Coca-Cola™, the resurrection of Christ is “the real thing.”

He is risen! He is risen indeed!