The Tomb Is Empty

Texts: Luke 24:1–6; Matthew 27:52–28:6; 1 Corinthians 15:12–22; Ezekiel 37:12–14; Revelation 1:18; Hosea 13:14

The empty tomb is the great proclamation of the Christian faith. It is the visible proof that Jesus Christ conquered death, completed the work of redemption, and rose in victory. When the women came to the tomb, they were told, “He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:6). That statement changed history forever. The empty tomb declares that death could not hold Him, the grave could not imprison Him, and the power of God has triumphed over every work of darkness. Bondages come to an end. Afflictions come to an end. Poverty comes to an end. Untimely death comes to an end. The curse is broken. The evil covenant is destroyed. Family destruction comes to an end. The power of hell and death is broken.

1. The empty tomb reveals the power of resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus is the clearest demonstration of divine power over death. Luke 24:1–6 shows that the grave could not retain Christ. Matthew 27:52–28:6 further reveals the extraordinary effect of His resurrection, as even graves were opened. This is resurrection power at work.

Ezekiel 37:12–14 had already pointed prophetically to the power of God to bring life out of death: “Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves... And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live.” Though this prophecy speaks directly to the restoration of Israel, it also reveals a deeper truth about God’s power: He is the God who opens graves, restores life, and brings hope out of hopelessness. In Christ’s resurrection, this power is fully displayed. The tomb was emptied because the Spirit of life raised Jesus from the dead. Our restoration is here. We can claim sevenfold restoration of everything that the enemy stole (Proverbs 6:31)

1 Corinthians 15:12–22 teaches that the resurrection is central to our faith. If Christ is not raised, then faith is empty and hope collapses. But because Christ rose, He became the firstfruit of them that slept. His resurrection is the guarantee that death is not the end for those who are in Him.

2. The empty tomb is the seal of the new covenant

The resurrection is the divine seal upon the new covenant established by the blood of Jesus Christ. His death paid the price for sin, but His resurrection confirmed that the sacrifice was accepted by the Father. The empty tomb is heaven’s declaration that the covenant stands established, effective, and eternal.

Under the old covenant, sacrifices had to be repeated continually. But under the new covenant, Christ offered Himself once and for all. His resurrection proves that the work was complete and accepted. The empty tomb therefore stands as the seal of the new covenant, assuring us that grace, mercy, and access to God have been secured through Christ.

3. The empty tomb is the evidence of the finished work

The resurrection is the evidence that everything Christ came to accomplish has been fulfilled. The empty tomb declares the success of the cross. It proves:

Our sins are forgiven.  

Our redemption is completed.

Our new identity is established.

Our victory over death is confirmed.

Our deliverance is achieved.

Our life after death is sure.

Our position in Christ is secured.

If Jesus had remained in the tomb, there would still be uncertainty. But because the tomb is empty, we know that the finished work is truly finished. The resurrection is the Father’s confirmation that the price has been paid in full and that salvation has been fully accomplished.

Ezekiel 37:12–14 also enriches this truth. The God who says, “I will open your graves” is the same God who through Christ brings His people into new life. The resurrection is not only about Christ coming out of the grave; it is also about believers being brought out of spiritual death into newness of life. The empty tomb therefore points to our own spiritual awakening, restoration, and future resurrection. It also points to the fact that what held us captive is broken.

4. The empty tomb proves that Christ holds the keys of hell and death

Revelation 1:18 says, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Because Jesus rose from the dead, He now possesses absolute authority over death, the grave, and the unseen realm. He did not merely escape death; He conquered it and took its keys.

Hosea 13:14 declares, “O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction.” This prophetic word finds its fulfillment in Christ’s resurrection. The grave has been defeated. Death has lost its final sting. Jesus now reigns as the risen Lord, and all who belong to Him share in that victory.

The empty tomb is more than a historical event; it is the foundation of Christian hope and victory. It reveals the power of resurrection, seals the new covenant, confirms the finished work, and declares Christ’s authority over hell and death. Ezekiel 37:12–14 reminds us that God is the One who opens graves and puts His Spirit in His people so they may live. In the resurrection of Jesus, that promise is fulfilled with its fullest glory.

Because the tomb is empty, hope is alive.
Because the tomb is empty, redemption is complete.
Because the tomb is empty, death is defeated.
Because the tomb is empty, new life is certain in Christ.

Happy Easter celebration

©Rev. Dr. Amos Adeniyi

Repairer and Restorer Ministries International (RARMINT)

+27789240238, +27744147709

amosadeniyi7@yahoo.com

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