The empty tomb is vitally important to the Christian faith. It serves as evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, validating His claims to be the Son of God and Savior of the world. Here are some of the key reasons the empty tomb matters:
1. It verifies the resurrection actually happened
All four Gospels describe how Jesus was buried in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea after His crucifixion (Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:43-46; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-42). Three days later, women followers of Christ discovered the tomb empty and were told by angels that Jesus had risen from the dead (Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9). If the tomb had remained occupied, it would have disproven the resurrection. But the fact that it was empty exactly when Jesus said He would rise (Matthew 12:40; 16:21) provides strong evidence that He conquered death as promised.
2. It indicates Jesus’ body was not stolen
Some skeptics claim the disciples stole Jesus’ body to fake the resurrection. This is highly unlikely, since the tomb was guarded by Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:62-66) and the disciples were too frightened to boldly take His body or preach that He rose. The empty tomb rules out the possibility that someone secretly removed the body. Jewish authorities would have quickly displayed Jesus’ body if it were still in the tomb, but they could not – because He had supernaturally risen.
3. It supports Jesus’ deity and authority
By rising from the grave, Jesus demonstrated His power over death and fulfilled His own predictions that He would rise (Luke 18:31-33). This confirms Jesus has divine authority and is the Son of God as He claimed (John 10:17-18). The empty tomb supports the truthfulness of Christ’s teachings and the belief that He is the way to salvation (John 14:6). His resurrection proves He is much more than just a great teacher or prophet.
4. It gives hope for believers’ resurrection
According to Scripture, the reason Christ rose from the dead is so that those who trust in Him can also be raised when He returns (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). His resurrection assures believers they too will conquer death, just as He promised. The empty tomb provides hope that in Christ we will overcome the grave and live forever with Him.
5. It ensures the efficacy of the gospel message
The Christian gospel centers on Jesus’ death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). If Jesus remained dead in the tomb, it would mean He did not accomplish what He claimed He would – overcoming sin and the grave. However, the empty tomb proves Christ is victorious over death. This validates the truth of the gospel, which now has power to save all who place their faith in Him (Romans 1:16).
6. It allows for personal reconciliation with God
According to the Bible, one barrier between God and humanity is the presence of sin and death (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 6:23). By rising from the grave, Jesus broke the power of death and made forgiveness of sins possible (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). His resurrection enables those who trust in Christ to be reconciled and restored in relationship with God (Romans 5:10-11). The empty tomb is what makes this transformed life accessible to all people.
7. It marked the launch of the early church
Following His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His disciples to take the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:18-20). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the apostles began preaching and teaching based on the message of Christ’s death and resurrection (Acts 2:22-24; 32-33). The empty tomb was the very foundation of the church, as Christians everywhere shared the life-changing news that Jesus is alive.
8. It validates believers’ labor and sacrifice
The apostle Paul wrote that if Christ was not raised, Christian preaching, faith, and suffering for the gospel are all in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17, 58). However, the empty tomb assures believers their labors in Christ are meaningful and worthwhile. The resurrection motivates consistent Christian living and future hope, no matter the cost or pain in this life.
9. It inspires worship and celebration
For centuries, the empty tomb has moved Christians to praise God in awe and thanksgiving. Jesus’ resurrection is considered one of the most joyous events in history, as it provides assurance of God’s victory over sin and death. Churches worldwide celebrate Easter as a time to honor and worship Christ for His glorious triumph in rising from the grave.
10. It points towards eternal life
The Bible teaches that those who acknowledge and believe in the risen Christ will spiritually rise from death to life, from separation from God to reconciliation with Him (John 11:25-26; Ephesians 2:4-6). The empty tomb offers the hope of resurrection and eternal life in the presence of God for all who accept salvation through Christ.
In summary, the empty tomb is a cornerstone of Christian belief and the resurrection. Jesus’ rising from the dead sets Him apart as more than just a man or prophet. The empty tomb signals Jesus’ deity, verifies He accomplished salvation, and points to the glorious future He promises all who trust in Him. The resurrection is central to the gospel – and the empty tomb proves its truth and power to change lives eternally.