Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are still in your sins” ( v. 17).

Toolbox, check. Parts all over the garage floor, check. Instruction manual, check. You’re ready to put that new cabinet together. You get through steps 1 and 2 like a pro. Then you turn the page and realize there's a problem; the next step in the manual is 8. Part of the manual is missing. We need all of the Bible.  We can’t skip to the ending and miss out on the beginning or middle. We need each and every word and truth.

Some reject the doctrine of man's sinfulness and only want the hope of resurrection.  Others ignore the life of resurrection in favor of the sinfulness of man. But it is an error to emphasize Calvary to the exclusion of Gethsemane and vice-avers.  We cannot separate the cross from the empty tomb.  They are one.

At the cross, we died with Christ; out of the tomb, we are made alive with Christ (Romans 6:3-4).  At the cross, we resolve our past; at the tomb we gain our future (Romans 6:11).

At the cross, the power of sin is broken; at the tomb, the power of righteousness is released. (Romans 6:13);

In the cross, we taste mercy; at the tomb, we drink grace (Romans 6:22). (Don Callaway)

In the Cross of Christ I glory

Towr'ing o'er the wrecks of time;

All the light of sacred story

Gathers round its head sublime.  -John Bowring

“I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20