Had Jesus not arisen from the dead, he would simply have taken his place among the great philosophers of history, or perhaps would have been forgotten altogether. His death would have meant no more to us than the death of any martyr. This one event gives significance to all other things that have taken place. Yet we realize, that had Jesus not given his life for you and me, his resurrection would have been no more significant than the resurrection of Lazarus. Without one, the other loses its significance for us.
Faith Focuses Upon the Resurrection.
The resurrection is the one basic point that maintains the very faith and life of the Church. That critic felt he was making a damaging remark, but he was actually stating a powerful proof for Christ's claims. Christianity is what it is because of that empty tomb. As believers in Christ, we know that our faith has a solid foundation because He arose from the dead. As a result, salvation can be offered to all men everywhere.