Death and Resurrection: The Christian's Certain Hope

Death and Resurrection: The Christian's Certain Hope

In 1789, Benjamin Franklin famously wrote, "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes." And for many, that sentiment rings true. You’re born, you pay taxes, and then you die. But how depressing is that? If those are the only certainties in life, what hope is there?

This is precisely why the resurrection of Jesus Christ matters. Because of Christ, there is more certainty than death and taxes. For the Christian, the hope is death and resurrection. That is our reality.

The Reality of Death

The last few years have shown us how deeply afraid people are of dying. The pandemic reminded us that death is a present, pressing reality. Yet, for the Christian, death is not to be feared. We are in the hands of a sovereign God who has numbered our days. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us, "Just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." The issue is not simply the reality of death but what happens after we die. That is the most important question every person must face.

The Only Hope Beyond the Grave

As believers, our hope is not in escaping death, but in overcoming it through Christ. The resurrection is the definitive answer to the fear of death. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14:

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."

The gospel is not simply that Jesus died for sinners. That is only half the story. The full gospel is this: Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. The cross is necessary, but without the empty tomb, the cross is incomplete. Romans 10:9 affirms: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

A Tale of Two Gardens

John 19 ends with Jesus' burial, but not just anywhere—He was laid in a garden tomb. This detail is not accidental. Remember, the story of death began in a garden—Eden. Adam and Eve sinned there, and with their disobedience, death entered the world.

Now Jesus, the second Adam, is buried in a garden to undo what was done in the first. The first gardener, Adam, failed. The second gardener, Jesus, succeeds. Where Adam brought death, Jesus brings life. Mary Magdalene, in John 20, mistakes Jesus for the gardener. She wasn’t wrong. Jesus is the gardener who is cultivating life from the soil of death. When He calls her name—"Mary"—everything changes. Her sorrow turns to joy. Her mourning to worship.

The Power of the Resurrection

No one encounters the resurrected Christ and remains unchanged. Saul of Tarsus became an Apostle after meeting the risen Lord. And what does this mean for us? It means that life is no longer futile. Death is no longer final and taxes are not the only reality. Because Jesus lives, we live.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul explains:

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead... The last enemy to be destroyed is death."

This is our hope. Not death and taxes. But death and resurrection. This truth transforms the way we live. It gives us courage, joy, and boldness. If Christ has conquered death, what do we have to fear?

Resurrection Every Day

Let’s not relegate this celebration to one Sunday a year. The early church met on the first day of the week—the Lord’s Day—in remembrance of the resurrection. Every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday.

Because Jesus rose, you can face Monday with hope. Because He lives, you can endure suffering, resist temptation, and persevere through trials.

This truth must reshape your life. If you’re not a Christian, know this: you are still in Adam, and in Adam all die. But in Christ, all shall be made alive. Believe in Him. Trust in Him. He took your punishment. He bore the wrath of God on your behalf. And He rose again to give you life.

He is risen. Death has died. And life reigns through Christ.