Acts 2:32-35  “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” ’

The first sermon ever preached in the church age, and it focuses on a very important theme: The resurrection of Christ. Peter refers back to scripture, quoting from the beloved king David, to whom God had promised a Messiah would come through his bloodline. King David himself was a type of the Messiah, being a King Priest and a prophet and many of David’s writings are prophetic of Jesus and were fulfilled by Jesus.

Peter points out that David had written of One who would die and be resurrected and Peter also points out that David died and was buried and remains in his tomb, which is in the old city of David, on a ridge they could all see from where they were on the Temple Mount. In fact, Peter may have been pointing at David’s tomb when speaking. This scripture Peter quoted was not referring to David, but David had prophesied of the resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus. There was another tomb that the people could also see, if they wished, and that was the empty tomb where Jesus had been buried, yet was unoccupied because He had resurrected and ascended to the Father … Proof positive that the One they had crucified was Jesus, Messiah and Lord.

The resurrection is of utmost importance to the Gospel and without the resurrection, the Gospel message is powerless to save. The resurrection of Christ means that we can count on God to keep His promises. It assures us that His Word is True and Faithful.

It affirms the acceptability of the sacrifice of the sinless Christ for sinful man. The resurrection of Jesus is so absolute, that it’s undeniable. It declares to us that Jesus is the Son of God and, without a doubt, we know:

• God is unfailing.
• His Word is unfailing.
• His promises are unfailing.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ declares to us that we can count on all that God has told us and because the seal on the tomb was broken, our hope is sealed through Christ.

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

In other words, God has a proven track record of keeping His promises which means that we can count on Him to do what He has told us He is going to do. So, the only choice we are left with is either to believe or to reject, and I hope you have chosen to believe or that you will make that choice today.