The Top C. S. Lewis Quotes on the Resurrection

The secret ingredient of C. S. Lewis’ writing is his wordsmithing. He possessed a rare gift of communicating profound realities in simple terms and, to help us all reflect and celebrate Easter, we’ve collected some of his top quotes on the Resurrection. As we remember the sacrifice of our Savior and His triumph over the grave, we hope God uses the following to help you draw close to Him.

Triumph Over Death: The New Testament writers speak as if Christ’s achievement in rising from the dead was the first event of its kind in the whole history of the universe. He is the ‘first fruits,’ the pioneer of life,’ He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so. (Miracles, ch. 16)

The Reason for the Cross: It cost God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things: but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion. (Mere Christianity, ch. 10)

Jesus Rose Physically, Not Just in Spirit: If the truth is that after death there comes a negatively spiritual life, an eternity of mystical experience, what more misleading way of communicating it could possibly be found than the appearance of a human form which eats broiled fish? (Miracles, ch. 16)

Forgiveness: To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. (The Weight of Glory, “On Forgiveness”)

This is the Story: ‘What are we to make of Christ?’ There is no question of what we can make of Him, it is entirely a question of what He intends to make of us. You must accept or reject the story. (God in the Dock, ch. 19)

Centrality of the Resurrection: To preach Christianity meant (to the Apostles) primarily to preach the Resurrection. … The Resurrection is the central theme in every Christian sermon reported in the Acts. The Resurrection, and its consequences, were the ‘gospel’ or good news which the Christians brought. (Miracles, ch. 16)

Keep Nothing Back: Keep back nothing. Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him, everything else thrown in. (Mere Christianity, very last paragraph)

If you enjoyed this article by Kyle McManamy, check out his other article 3 Ways to Share Jesus with Skeptics and Where Homeschoolers Struggle in College.

Kyle McManamy has worked with high school and college-aged students for over 10 years in formal and informal settings. He recently served at Chapel Hill Bible Church as the College Minister for 6 years and Director of their Center for Faith + Work (a position he still holds). Kyle formerly was Brand Manager for Apologia and currently designs higher education programs for OneHope, an international organization committed to reaching the world’s children and youth with God’s Word. He has a BA from Clemson University and an MDiv and MA in Philosophy from Southern Evangelical Seminary. He loves mountains, CSLewis, observational comedy, starting new things, and so much more. He and his wife live in Chapel Hill, NC.