And in actual fact, the means of entrance into that church are revealed to all mankind and are in existence because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 3:21.

Let’s notice very carefully what Peter said here. His basic statement is this: “Baptism now saves us by the resurrection of Christ.” There can be no simpler statement than this. Baptism has the power to save because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Without that resurrection, there would be no reason for baptism. Without His resurrection, baptism would have no power at all. But since Jesus was raised from the dead, baptism is the means which God has provided for mankind to be able to obtain salvation from sins.

In closing our lesson this evening, let me ask you in all sincerity: “Is it REAL to you? Is Christianity a REALITY for you, or is it, perhaps, an intellectual exercise? Let’s read the Words of the apostle Paul to the church at Corinth, Words in which he drove this point home. Christianity, the very faith and belief in the rewards that are waiting for the faithful, is based firmly upon the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And this is exactly what Paul believed. He said, “Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: Whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death”1 Corinthians 15, verses 12 through 26.

Let’s look at the amazing things which are true because of the historical proven fact of the resurrection of Jesus:

He is the firstfruits of all those who are dead.

Because He was raised from the dead, we have an assurance that there will be a general resurrection of all the dead on the Day of Judgment.

Because of His resurrection, we have the assurance that Jesus is now reigning and ruling at the right had of God and that someday even death itself will be destroyed.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we know that the dead will indeed rise again.

And because of this fact, our faith in Him is not vain; it’s not worthless, and that as Christians, we are no longer dead in our sins.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we are not the most miserable of all men, but are, instead, the most joyous of all men.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, the Gospel that we preach and teach and believe is not seen as a false witness for God, but instead, is the only Truth that can truly set men free.