Introduction: It is difficult for a Christian to understand, but there are some religions that don't require faith. Many of the founding fathers of the United States (for example Thomas Jefferson or Thomas Paine) were Deists. They believed in God strictly because they thought logic compelled them to believe in God. But they had no faith in miracles or in the bible. Buddhism requires no faith. Buddhists believe that Buddha was a smart man who attained enlightenment. They like the teachings of Buddha, so they try to live by them. But there is no faith involved.
I. There can be no genuine Christianity without faith in Jesus.
A great problem with the Churches today, is that there are literally thousands of seminary teachers and pastors that deny all of the above, and yet continue to teach in Christian seminaries and preach in Christian churches. Instead of saying "I have lost my faith, and therefore I am going to quit preaching and sell insurance," they say, "I have lost my faith, so I'm going to change my church and my religion to fit my loss of faith. I don't believe the Gospel any more, so I'm going to change my church into a social service agency."
II. The Bible tells us that faith in the resurrection is essential.
1 Cor 15:12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1 Cor 15:13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.
1 Cor 15:14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
1 Cor 15:15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.
1 Cor 15:16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.
1 Cor 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.
1 Cor 15:18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.
1 Cor 15:19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
III. Jesus made a point to prove His resurrection to His disciples.
A. Here in John 20, He appeared to 10 in a closed room. Then He appeared again to them, when Thomas was there. He showed them the scars in His hands and in His side.
B. We have a record in I Corinthians 15 of many other post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. He MADE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO CONVINCE HIS DISCIPLES THAT HE HAD REALLY RISEN FROM THE DEAD.
1 Cor 15:3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
1 Cor 15:4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
1 Cor 15:5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.
1 Cor 15:6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
1 Cor 15:7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,
1 Cor 15:8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
According to the Gospels, Jesus also made appearances to some of His female followers: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and Salome, and also to two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus. Luke records some other appearances in Acts 1:1-3.
Acts 1:1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach
Acts 1:2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
Acts 1:3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
IV. The Disciples believed in the Resurrection because THEY HAD TO. Their faith was literally forced on them by the risen Christ. They were chosen by Him, and ordained to carry the Gospel to the world. He made sure that they believed without any shadow of doubt whatsoever.
Why do Christians believe TODAY in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? We have never seen Him with our eyes. We have never heard Him with our ears. Why do we believe? Jesus said to Thomas:
John 20:27 ... "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
John 20:28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
John 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Our faith, like that of the disciples is a gift of God.
Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
Eph 2:9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
We were chosen by God the Father. We were redeemed by Jesus Christ. We are gifted with repentance and faith by the Holy Ghost. The work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts COMPELS us to believe.
However, the Holy Spirit uses tools to bring us to faith.
Conclusion: As Christians we believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Have you not found it true! When I was a student at Moody Bible Institute I learned Hymn # 490 in our hymn book. Let me read verse two for you:
Heaven above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green.
Something lives in every hue, Christless eyes have never seen.
Birds with gladder songs overflow, Flowers with deeper beauties shine.
Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine.
May God continue to shower you with blessings everyday, as you put your faith in Jesus Christ, the risen Son of God. Amen.