3. If Christ had not been resurrected from the dead, what dismal fate would have been ours? 1 Corinthians 15:17-18.
NOTE: ‘All our hope comes from the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So the Apostle Peter blesses God that He has “begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3. Notice that in the discourse of Paul concerning the resurrection he says not only that if Christ be not risen those who have fallen asleep in Him are perished, but that “ye are yet in your sins.” The resurrection of Jesus assures the resurrection of men from the dead, only because it brings the forgiveness of sins. The hope of the resurrection is simply the hope that comes from righteousness received through faith in Christ, “who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 4:25. The Apostle Peter connects the “lively hope” to which God has begotten us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, with the fact that we are “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.”’ E. J. Waggoner: Bible Echo, July 15, 1893.
4. Instead, what hope has Christ given us? Titus 1:2; Consider Proverbs 10:28.
NOTE: ‘Christ is able to do all that He has promised to do for the sin-sick soul. Those who have an experimental knowledge of Christ can testify to His faithfulness and truth. We may have an appreciation of our sinfulness, and realise that we are full of uncleanness, but as the light of heaven reveals the heart’s depravity, we should not become discouraged, for there is help in Jesus for the vilest sinner. The promises of God are for all who will accept them, and Jesus says, Come, and I will give you rest. He does not say, Come, and perhaps I will give you rest, but the promise is positive, “Ye shall find rest.” As we take His yoke, and learn of Him, we find sweet solace in His promises, and our hope of eternal life grows stronger and brighter.’ Signs of the Times, January 19, 1891.