We’ve been in a powerful series titled “If the Truth Be Told.” You’ve probably used that phrase before — maybe to a friend, or more likely, to one of your kids: “If the truth be told…” And then you drop the truth. It’s a phrase that signals honesty, clarity, and urgency — and that’s exactly what this series is all about.
This isn’t about tradition, man-made religion, or someone’s opinion. This is about truth. Truth from Scripture. Truth that sets us free. If the truth be told, there is only one reliable source for that truth: the Word of God. Not a denomination, not a pastor’s book, not religious philosophy. Only God’s Word gives us truth that is eternal, unchanging, and life-giving.
So far in this series, we’ve uncovered several key truths:
- You can’t work your way to heaven. (Ephesians 2:8–9)
- You’ll never be perfect in this life. (Romans 3:23)
- Heaven was made for everyone, but not everyone chooses God’s way. (John 14:6)
But today, we talk about the core of it all — the truth of the resurrection.
The Truth: No Resurrection, No Gospel
Let’s be clear: If there is no resurrection, there is no gospel. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is no salvation, no forgiveness, no eternal life. We’d still be stuck in our sins. But Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, lays it out plainly:
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… He rose again the third day.”
This isn’t religious poetry — it’s reality. Jesus physically, literally rose from the grave. And Paul isn’t just preaching a doctrine he made up. He lived it. He was radically transformed by the power of the resurrection. From a Jesus-hating persecutor of Christians to one of the greatest missionaries the world has ever known — that’s the power of the gospel.
Let’s break it down even more.
1. The Resurrection Defeats the Devil
When Jesus walked out of that tomb, He crushed the plans of the enemy. Satan thought the cross was the end — but it was only the beginning. The resurrection proved that sin, death, and hell don’t get the last word. Jesus does.
We give the devil too much credit. He’s not all-knowing. He’s not all-present. He only knows what we tell him. So instead of giving the enemy power by declaring defeat, declare the truth: Jesus already won.
The resurrection is your victory over every lie, every temptation, and every accusation. If the truth be told, the devil is defeated.
2. The Resurrection Gives You Power for Life’s Issues
Got issues? Welcome to the club. Every single one of us is dealing with something — money, marriage, health, stress, grief, guilt, pressure. But the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to help you through whatever you’re facing.
Think about it: If Jesus could defeat death, hell, and the grave… do you really think your problems are too much for Him?
Stop trying to carry it all on your own. Talk to God before you talk to twenty other people. You’ve been redeemed, so lean into that redemption. Let the gospel speak to your anxiety, your frustration, your brokenness. Jesus didn’t just rise to prove a point — He rose to give you power.
A little hunting story here. This past week, my son and I were in Kentucky doing a father-son turkey hunt — part of a challenge called the World Slam. My son missed his first shot and felt defeated. But the next day, he got his redemption shot — and nailed it. Sitting at a restaurant afterward, he looked at me and said, “Dad, today is Good Friday.” He paused and said, “You know what that means? Redemption.”
That’s it. We all miss. But in Christ, we all get another chance. That’s redemption.
3. The Resurrection Confirms That He’s Coming Back
Jesus said in John 14, “If I go, I will come again.” His resurrection confirms that promise. He didn’t just rise to leave us — He rose so He could return. He’s coming again, just like He said.
In Acts 1:3, the disciples watched as Jesus ascended into heaven. And in Acts 1:11, the angels told them, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way.”
That’s the truth. And if the truth be told, the resurrection is your guarantee — He’s coming again to take His people home.
So What’s the Bottom Line?
If the truth be told:
- No resurrection, no gospel.
- No resurrection, no hope.
- No resurrection, no forgiveness.
- No resurrection, no power for life.
- No resurrection, no heaven.
But the resurrection is real. And because it is, you can be redeemed. You can be changed. You can be forgiven. You can have purpose now and hope forever.
So why in the world would you reject the resurrection of Jesus?
If you’ve never trusted in the truth of the gospel — the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus — today is the day. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to work for it. You just have to believe and receive.
Jesus is alive.
And if the truth be told, that changes everything.
