Luk 24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Luk 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Luk 24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Luk 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
Luk 24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
Luk 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
Luk 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
Luk 24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
Luk 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Luk 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Luk 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Luk 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luk 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luk 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Did jesus preach salvation by his death? and resurrection?
Yes, Jesus did preach that His death and resurrection were essential for salvation, but not in the same simplified way many preach it today. He revealed this truth progressively, and always in connection with repentance, obedience, and the coming kingdom of God—not just as a one-time belief without change of life.
At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus focused on preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14–15). He did not immediately reveal that He would die and rise again, because the disciples were not ready to understand these things, as He said, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (John 16:12). His early preaching centered on repentance, faith, obedience, and entering the kingdom of God.
When the time drew near for His sacrifice, Jesus began to openly teach that He must suffer, die, and rise again. He said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected… and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). Again He declared, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). At the Last Supper, He explained the meaning of His sacrifice, saying, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). These words show clearly that His death was not an accident, but the very plan of God for the forgiveness of sins.
After His resurrection, Jesus confirmed that His death and rising from the dead were necessary for forgiveness and salvation. He said, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46–47). This shows that His death and resurrection were at the center of God’s plan, but notice again that He included repentance as part of the message, not faith alone without change of life.
However, Jesus never preached that His death alone, without obedience to Him, would save anyone. He taught clearly that salvation also requires faith and obedience. He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). He warned that perseverance is necessary: “He who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). And He declared that final judgment will be based on His words: “The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). This means His teachings remain the standard, even after His death and resurrection.
So yes, Jesus preached that His death and resurrection are the foundation for salvation, but He never reduced salvation to simply believing that He died for you. His message always included repentance, obedience, faithfulness to His commandments, and following Him as Lord. His death provided the ransom, His resurrection brought victory over death, and through both He opened the way for eternal life—but only to those who repent, believe, and endure in obedience until the end.
Blessings
