Continuing with the exploration and reflection through a series of articles written in a conversational language about Catholicism, about God, about Jesus, about the Church and many other faith related topics. Here we present:
Question 20 – Does it matter if Jesus has risen?
The apostle* Paul* speaks bluntly. In one of his letters he writes, ‘If Christ* has not risen, then all we say is nonsense. Then the whole faith is meaningless’ (1 Cor 15:14). Without resurrection* there is no question of Christianity*. Without faith in the resurrection of Jesus* there is no Christian faith. If Jesus has not been resurrected, then at best his life is an impressive story with a tragic ending: his execution.
Jesus did not raise himself from the dead. It was God* who did so. At the end of the life and death of Jesus, this is the personal signature of God. By doing so, He confirms and approves what Jesus thought was important. Through the resurrection it becomes clear that the story of Jesus, the Son of God is the story of God.
Because of the resurrection it is clear to Christians that Jesus’ Good News really comes from God. Jesus is the example that every person can follow. His way of love is the God-approved way that leads people to life as God intended.
– Do you believe that Jesus has risen?
– Do you think you can be a Christian without believing in the resurrection of Jesus?
Feel free to leave your thoughts, reflections or comments below.
Watch this space! Coming up: Question 21 – Where is Jesus now?
Follow these links to go back to previous questions
If you wish to learn more about this resource follow this link “52 Questions and Answers about faith”
About the author:
Nikolaas Sintobin, SJ, joined the Society of Jesus in 1989, following a short career as a lawyer. He was trained as a Jesuit in Brussels, Paris, and Santiago de Chile. Today he is a spiritual director who is keenly interested in online ministry and discovering new ways to help people find God.
This text is republished with the permission of Messenger Publications, Ireland. To buy a hard copy of the book click here.
