“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. . . But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” From 1 Corinthians 15 and Revelation 1.