Watch the video above and talk about it with a friend or mentor.

The Christian gospel rests on two key events: the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here's why those events are pivotal.

Key Points:

  • Jesus’ death and resurrection were foretold in Scripture.
  • Jesus’ death and resurrection were fulfilled according to Scripture.
  • Humanity can be reconciled to God.

See Also: The Cross

Talk About It
  1. Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. What two events make up the essential points of the Christian faith? According to this passage, why did Jesus die?
  2. What does it mean when Paul says each of these events was “according to the Scriptures”?
  3. All four Gospels recount the events of the crucifixion and the resurrection. Read Matthew 27:45-46 and then Luke 23:46. What is happening on earth in the time between these two statements?
  4. According to Hebrews.9:11-14, what was happening in heaven? How was reconciliation made?
  5. 2 Corinthians.5:21 is sometimes called “The Great Exchange”. What was “exchanged?
  6. Rome crucified thousands of people in the first century AD. Why was this one different?
  7. What is the meaning of the event of the resurrection? Why was Jesus’ resurrection necessary to the message of the gospel?
  8. What would it mean if there had been no resurrection?

This is part of the Fresh Start series.

See the expanded versions of the lessons in this series at whc.faith/watch/fresh-start