Why do Christians link the crucifixion and the resurrection so closely together? You could generate some spirited discussion just asking which is more imporrtant. The answer is both.
If Jesus had decided to opt out of the cross then it would not matter if the tomb was empty. It would just be another empty tomb waiting for a customer.
If the tomb was not emtpy then the cross would have just been an sad bit of drama gone sadder.
Both are essential. Neither is optional. That is the historical aspect.
The theological aspect is just as important. Without the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, there would be no atonement for mankind. Even if the temple endured and you thought the sacrificial system brought atonement, it would only be for the Jews. Forgiveness of sin would not be available to the Gentile world. Without the empty tomb and its promise of our victory over death it would not matter if you sins were forgiven. There would be no eternal life.
So rejoice in the afterglow of the resurrection celebration. Christmas is a great time. The entrance of God in the person of Jesus was no trivial event but it would have had little consequence without the cross and empty tomb.
homo unius libri
Monday, April 10, 2023
Opus 2023-105: Afterglow 2, The Link
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.