Did Christ Die In Vain?

For Two thirds of the world’s population, Christ died in vain! To them, there is no reason for Christ dying and suffering on the cruel cross of Calvary because they have chose to believe he never existed, or that he was but a mere mortal man of earthly descent. Let’s look at some of these whose lives and doctrines tell us that Christ died in vain. Christ verily died in vain if:

If Christ Had Not Died and Risen Again

If Christ had not died, and If Christ had not risen from the dead where would mankind be today? “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” 1 Cor 15:19 Our final resurrection from the dead depends on His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12-14). Paul poses the question that if one admits that Christ is raised why should they deny that all will be raised? If there is no resurrection, then why would they argue that Christ has been raised? And if there is no resurrection, then His death is in vain. His death was necessary only if He were going to be raised from the dead. Truly, He was “raised for our justification” (Rom. 4:25). But if He was not raised the apostles were false witnesses (1 Cor. 15:15). Yet there are many who still deny Jesus’ resurrection.

If The Law Of Moses Is Binding

Most people today attempt to follow both the law of Moses and the law of Christ. In dealing with the false teachings of that time, Paul in his letter to the Galatians dealt with this issue. It continued to be a problem in the Jew-Gentile relationship.  He said, “I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:21 Judaizing teachers insisted on keeping the law (Gal. 1:6-7). But Paul says that no flesh (Jew or Gentile) is justified by the law (Gal. 2:16). They had not received the Spirit by the hearing of the law, but by the gospel (Gal. 3:1-3). Christ redeemed all from the law for it was a curse to all who would continue to follow its precepts (Gal. 3:13). The Gentiles were not included in the law, and if the law could save, then the Gentiles would not have access to salvation (Gal. 3:14). The law was only added until the seed (Christ) came (Gal. 3:15-22) but now all are saved by Christ and His gospel, not by the law. But righteousness did not come by the law, but “a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe, for there is no distinction” (Rom. 3:21-22). Finally, Paul said, “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you are fallen away from grace” (Gal. 5:4). One purpose of the coming of Christ was to take away the law and make possible a way of redemption through His blood. The blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin so Jesus had to come and make that sacrifice. Heb 10:4 Therefore, if one can be saved by the law of Moses, Christ verily died in vain.

If One Can Be Saved Without The Gospel

If we can be saved without obeying the gospel of Christ, then rest assured, Christ died in vain. It was Jesus himself which said the we must believe and be baptized in order to be saved. Mk 16:16 It was Peter which said we must repent and be baptized for the remission of our sins.  Acts 2:38 This same apostle said, that baptism saves us today. 1 Pet 3:21 It was Paul who said that we are buried with Christ by baptism into his death and raised to walk in the newness of life. Rom 6:3,4 There is but one gospel and if we teach another we shall be accursed. Gal 1:6-9 If anyone can be saved by any other doctrine than the doctrine of Christ, Christ was never needed. If our morality alone saves us, then where is Christ? Gal 6:10 If our works alone saves us, then where is Christ? Eph 2:8,9 If faith alone saves us, then where is Christ? Jam 2:24  Our morality, our faith, our works can’t save us and remove our sins if Christ had not died and shed his blood to remove them.

Conclusion: The good news is that Christ did not die in vain. All who obey not the gospel of Christ will be punished with everlasting destruction.2 Thess 1:7-9  All will be judged by the gospel. Jn 12:48 All will give an account to the same gospel which the apostles preached. Rom 2:16 All will be judged by the same one who died, was buried and was risen again the third day, Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 15:1-4 We can all rest assured that Christ has done his part, and all that remains is for us to do ours. There are no ifs, and or buts about ii! Christ died for our sins! Christ was risen from the dead! And the gospel of Christ saves all who obeys and remains faithful to it! Rev 2:10