The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | April 25, 2025
Open your Bibles to Matthew 28:1-10. In the end of the sabbath…came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended…and rolled back the stone…His countenance was like lightning…The keepers did shake, and became as dead men. The angel said, Fear not ye…He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples…he goeth before you into Galilee. The women left with fear and joy, and Jesus met them, saying, All hail. They worshiped, and He said, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this filled auditorium, singers, and blessings. Lay these thoughts on hearts, help many trust Christ today, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today, we celebrate the most significant event in history: Christ’s resurrection, the eminence of eternity. The women found an empty tomb, an angel announcing, He is risen. Jesus met them—the most important moment is meeting Him. This resurrection assures eternal life, free of sorrow, sin, or death, for those who trust Him. John 1:11 laments, He came unto his own, and his own received him not, but John 1:12 rejoices, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God. Three truths emerge: supernatural signs, servants, and salvation authenticate Christ’s resurrection.
Supernatural Signs
Christ’s death and resurrection were marked by supernatural signs. At His crucifixion (Matthew 27), darkness covered the land from noon to 3 p.m., no sun shining—a sign God declared, “This is My Son.” The temple veil, 60 feet high, tore from top to bottom, opening the way to heaven. An earthquake cracked rocks, and graves of saints opened, exposing bodies for three days. At the resurrection (Matthew 28:2), a greater earthquake struck as an angel descended, rolling away the tomb’s stone effortlessly, sitting on it triumphantly. These signs moved a Roman centurion to confess, Truly this was the Son of God (Matthew 27:54). God provides undeniable evidence of Christ’s victory.
Supernatural Servants
Supernatural servants attested to the resurrection. The angel, with a countenance like lightning, rolled away the stone, sat on it, and proclaimed, He is risen. His joy mocked the devil’s defeat. Jesus appeared alive for 40 days, seen by over 500 at once (1 Corinthians 15:6). At His ascension, two angels declared, This same Jesus…shall so come in like manner (Acts 1:11). These servants—angels and witnesses—confirm the resurrection’s reality. God doesn’t ask for blind faith; He provides historical evidence so you can trust the risen Christ with certainty.
Supernatural Salvation
The resurrection offers supernatural salvation, available to all who believe. No one can earn heaven; we’re sinners needing God. John 3:3 warns, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus believed in God, miracles, and church, yet Jesus said he needed a new birth. When you admit, “I’m a sinner, I can’t save myself,” and pray, “God, forgive me, I trust Jesus,” God grants salvation instantly. James 2:19 notes, The devils also believe, and tremble, but only faith in Christ transforms. This born-again experience seals your soul for heaven, made possible by Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.