How the Meaning of the Whole Universe Hinges on the Empty Tomb

It all comes down to the Empty Tomb.

Yes, the meaning of all of human history and of the entire universe hinges on whether the tomb really was empty.

The reason is quite simple: the Empty Tomb means Jesus really did rise from the dead. And if Jesus really did rise from the dead, then he really was the Son of God. And if Jesus really was the Son of God, then he really did die for our sins.

This means that grace, new life, and eternity with God in heaven are all truly available for anyone who leaves behind the things of this world and follows Christ!

But more than that, it means that Christ has redeemed all of His creation and is the King to which the entire universe constantly sings praises!

But if that tomb was not empty – if Christ is still dead – then none of this is true. Then the Christian faith is false, a waste of time, and doesn’t tell us anything about the universe.

St. Paul says as much in his letter to the Corinthians:

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15.17-19)

So it all hinges on the resurrection.

But the tomb really was empty! No one in the first century was able to produce his body. There were hundreds of eye-witnesses to the risen Christ. And his disciples were suddenly willing to abandon all the goods of this world, even their own lives, in proclaiming this truth.

And that changes everything.

The truth of Easter should make every Christian look at himself, everyone around him, and even all of creation differently.