The Risen Christ.

     And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.
                          1 Corinthians 15:14 NASB

     The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. This was at the very heart of the preaching of the Apostles (Acts 2:30-32, 3:15, 26, 4:10, 33, 5:30-31, 10:40, 13:30-33, 17:2-3, 31, 25:19, 26:23).
      The good news of the gospel is this. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and raised from the dead (1 Cor 15:3-4). As the sinless Son of God, Jesus was the only unblemished sacrifice that could be offered for the sin of mankind.
     Now if He was not raised from the dead, this meant that He was a mere man just like the rest of us. He was unable to atone for sins, and we are still in our sins, facing the just wrath of God (1 Cor 15:17).
     The good news is this; Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power, by the resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4). His life, His ministry, His claims, were all vindicated by His resurrection. He was no mere man, not just a good teacher, an example to follow, but the Son of God.
     Through Him we have forgiveness of sins, and reconciliation with God the Father (Romans 5:9-10). As the resurrected Christ, He lives evermore to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). He is able to save us to the uttermost.
     If the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives within us, He will give life to our mortal bodies, ensuring our resurrection from the dead as well (Romans 8:11; 1 Cor 15:20-26). We do not need to fear death as it has no more hold over those of us who have been redeemed (Hebrews 2:14-15).
     We are also raised with Christ into a new life while we live out our days upon this earth. We now have victory over sin, and have been set free to serve Christ in righteousness (Romans 6:6-12, 18; Col 3:1-4).
     Christ is risen, and our faith in Him is not in vain.
    
     That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
                                  Romans 10:9 NASB

     We must believe in the risen Christ with an active living faith, allowing Him full reign over our lives.