But what about the resurrection?

We focus so often on the crucifixion and with legitimate reason. It was an absolutely horrible death. But what about the resurrection? Do we give that the same weight as we do the crucifixion?

Because the truth is, without the resurrection of Jesus, the sacrifice of Jesus would be in vain. (1 Cor 15:13-14)

But why? Why would the death of Jesus be in vain without the resurrection?

To help you understand this we need to go back to the Hebrew Scriptures and understand the way the ancient world looked at altars. Altars were seen as connections between the unseen world and the seen world. For the ancient Israelite the altar was like a portal, door, or bridge to heaven where God was. This understanding helps when you read through Leviticus where you learn about the sacrificial system that God set up. The priests had numerous important responsibilities, one of which was to bring the sacrifice to God. Here's how it worked: the person bringing the animal had to be the one to slaughter it. The priest was there to help and also to catch the blood of the animal as it was draining into a bowl. The Priest would then carry the blood and sprinkle it on the altar, thus completing the sacrifice. So, as a worshipper you could come to the Temple or Tabernacle all the time and kill as many animals as you wanted but if the Priest did not carry the blood and sprinkle it on the altar, your sacrifice was not finished. It could not bring you near to God.

Did you know there is a Temple in heaven where the angels minister as priests? Any guesses as to who the High Priest might be?

According to Hebrews 8:1-2 and 9:11-14 Jesus is the High Priest in the heavenly Temple. And it is there His sacrifice was completed.

In His death on the cross Jesus was the Lamb slaughtered to make atonement for us. It is in the Temple in heaven where Jesus' blood was poured out on the heavenly altar.

It is in the resurrection of Jesus where He becomes THE High Priest who is now able to carry His own sacrifice to the heavenly Temple and sprinkle His own blood on the altar before the throne of God. It is the resurrection of Jesus that finishes the sacrifice begun on the cross.

Truly Paul could write if Christ is not risen your faith is in vain (1 Cor 15:4) because without the resurrection the sacrifice is not complete. Had Jesus not risen, He would have been a sacrifice slaughtered but not brought to the altar.

It is easy to focus on the cross. The death of Jesus was gruesome and horrific and it’s appropriate for us to remember it and take time to learn about it. But don’t lose sight of the resurrection. The resurrection completes the sacrifice so you now have access to God the Father and can come boldly before the throne of grace today.