Today is Resurrection Sunday—Easter Sunday, the day that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Many of us have heard dozens of messages on the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. Yet I would suggest that there are some things about the resurrection of Christ that we probably don’t know or understand.

Today I want to define as closely as I can exactly what the resurrection of Christ was. We’ve all heard messages about things related to Jesus’ resurrection but perhaps not too many specifically focused on the resurrection itself. I hope to fill in some gaps in our understanding of this important topic today.

This is an important topic for several reasons.

First, it’s important because the word of God asserts that it is true; it’s a historical fact. Since it’s true, we are obligated to affirm it and try to understand it.

Second, it’s important because Jesus could not be the savior if he had not risen from the dead. Our faith would be empty and we would be most miserable if Jesus had not risen from the dead. We would have no hope of salvation or eternal life in heaven without Jesus’ resurrection.

Third, it’s important because salvation depends on a personal belief in Jesus’ resurrection. We must confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that he has risen from the dead if we want to be saved. You can’t be a Christian if you don’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus.

So this is an important topic, and we should strive to understand it as thoroughly as possible. Resurrection Sunday is a good day to talk about the resurrection of Jesus.

What is the resurrection of Jesus Christ?