"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."

— John 19:30

When Jesus declared, "It is finished," He was not referring to the entirety of the salvation plan being completed. There were still significant events ahead: He needed to descend to the lower parts of the earth and lead the captives free (Eph. 4:8-9), return from the dead, and ascend to the Father to intercede on our behalf (Heb. 7:25).

Paul made it abundantly clear in 1 Corinthians 15:14 and 17 that without the resurrection of Jesus, our faith is empty, and we remain in our sins. The resurrection is not just a historical fact, it is central to our salvation.

Why is the resurrection so crucial?
The resurrection of Jesus sets Christianity apart from all other religions. Unlike any philosophy or moral doctrine, Christianity is founded on a real, living person, not just abstract principles. Our faith is not based on teachings alone; it is rooted in fellowship with a living Christ.

Forgiveness of sins is not a result of a doctrine or a set of rules—it is granted through Christ Himself. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, He could not offer salvation to us. But because He did rise, He lives forever, interceding for us before the Father (Heb. 7:25).

It is Christ living in us that empowers us to live victoriously.
Without the resurrection, there would be no power to live the Christian life. The resurrected life of Jesus is the assurance of our future physical regeneration, just as He was raised, we too will rise.

Because Jesus conquered death, the fear and sting of death have been removed for those who believe. This is a great comfort to us, knowing that death no longer holds its power over us.

Ultimately, faith in the living Christ is essential to genuine Christianity. Without His resurrection, Christianity would simply be another dead religion—no different from any other. But because He is alive, we are empowered to live in His victory.