Because He Died, We Truly Live

04/02/22 – 04/13/22

Surprised by the Only

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  04/13/22

Many people today buy into the false belief that all religions are the same. In their ignorance, they proclaim that all religions teach similar things, lead to the same God, and have equally venerable founders. But did Buddha rise from the dead? Is Muhammad’s tomb empty? Has Krishna walked out of his grave?

The answer is a resounding no. Only Jesus has surprised the world when He rose from the dead, in great power and glory, so that all may come to know that He is the only one who guarantees our resurrection unto eternal life.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. In this passage, we read that hundreds of people witnessed Christ’s resurrection. But despite their collective testimony, many people throughout history have still denied the physical resurrection of Jesus. They are dead set on refuting this historical fact—in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Some of the most fervent objectors of the resurrection were the very people that Jesus had come to save: the Jews. In Acts 18 alone, we see the Jews opposing the apostles’ proclamation of the Gospel on three separate occasions, even to the point of violence (see Acts 18:6, 12).

Today’s culture is no different. Though evidence of Christ’s resurrection is overwhelming, we know that Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers to keep them from seeing the glory of Christ and the Truth of the Gospel. When Jesus returns to judge the world, they will certainly be surprised.

Christ’s resurrection established Him as the only one who is qualified to judge every human being who has ever lived. He is the only one who can save us from our sins and give us eternity. We must ask ourselves, “When I stand before the courts of heaven, will I be able to say that I placed my whole faith in Jesus Christ, the only crucified and risen Lord?”

When Christ returns, all who believe in Him will have the great joy of being surprised by His love rather than His judgment. For now, we know Him only in part—but when completeness comes, we shall know fully, even as we are fully known (see 1 Corinthians 13:9-12)

Prayer: Jesus, Your love is astounding. Thank You for Your love displayed on the cross. Thank You for opening my eyes to the Truth of Your resurrection. Help me to point others to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).