Book Review: If The Tomb Is Empty by Joby Martin

“How good is our Father that He would love you enough to walk you through some pain now so that you can ultimately know and trust Him better?”

― Joby Martin, If the Tomb Is Empty: Why the Resurrection Means Anything Is Possible

 If the Tomb Is Empty by Joby Martin is a powerful reminder that the resurrection of Christ isn’t just a historical event, but also it’s the foundation for believing that anything is possible. This book explores seven biblical mountains where God revealed Himself, weaving together scripture and personal insight to show how each moment leads to the ultimate hope found in the empty tomb.

Synopsis from Joby Martin Website

The Son of God was crucified, died and buried, and He lay in the tomb for three days—until He walked out shining like the sun. In a culture in which history is erased or rewritten at will, the existence of an empty tomb matters. Why? Because if the tomb is empty, anything is possible.

In his first book, Joby Martin, Lead Pastor of The Church of Eleven22, dives deep into scripture and traces the story of salvation by highlighting the seven mountains throughout scripture where God manifests himself. As he describes each encounter with God, Charles Martin shows us how the interaction on each mountain laid the groundwork for the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, and shows what God revealed about Himself in the process.

He illuminates seven familiar passages, unveiling how God's plan for Christ's sacrifice is threaded throughout scripture, and shows why Christ's resurrection—impossible, unbelievable—means that nothing is too hard for our God. Ultimately, he asks readers, Do you live every day of your life as if the tomb is empty—or as though Jesus is still hanging on that cross?

My reaction to this novel...

I just finished reading If the Tomb Is Empty by Joby Martin, and I can honestly say that I really love this book. It is one of those books that speaks directly to the heart in a simple but powerful way. It is not complicated or overly theological, but it is very clear, direct, and full of truth. It keeps bringing you back to one central message: if the tomb is empty, then everything changes.

What I appreciate most about this book is how it explains the importance of the resurrection of Jesus in a very practical way. Sometimes we say we believe in the resurrection, but we do not fully understand how it affects our daily lives. This book helped me realize that the resurrection is not just a historical event we celebrate. It is the foundation of our faith. If Jesus truly rose from the dead, then it changes how we live, how we face fear, how we deal with suffering, and how we see our purpose.

While reading this book, I learned a lot about what it really means to live as someone who believes that the tomb is empty. It challenged me to examine my faith. Do I live like Jesus is alive? Do I trust Him fully? Do I surrender every part of my life to Him? These questions were not presented in a condemning way, but in a way that invites reflection and growth.

One thing I really liked about Joby Martin’s writing is that it is very honest and straightforward. He shares biblical truth clearly and supports it with Scripture, but he also includes real-life applications. The message is bold but encouraging. It reminds the reader that Christianity is not about religion, rules, or performance. It is about a risen Savior who changes everything.

The book also helped me understand that if the tomb is empty, then fear does not have the final word. Death does not have the final word. Sin does not have the final word. Jesus already won. That truth gave me comfort and confidence. It strengthened my faith and reminded me that my hope is not based on my feelings or circumstances, but on the finished work of Christ.

I also appreciated how the book calls believers to action. It does not allow you to stay comfortable. It reminds you that if Jesus is alive, then we are called to live boldly for Him. Our faith should be visible. Our lives should reflect the power of the resurrection. That message stayed with me even after I finished reading.

This book is easy to read but very impactful. It is something I would recommend not only to mature Christians, but also to new believers and even to those who are still questioning their faith. It explains the gospel clearly and emphasizes why the resurrection truly matters.

Personally, this book renewed my gratitude for Jesus. It made me reflect deeply on what I believe and why I believe it. It reminded me that Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection. And because the tomb is empty, I can live with hope, courage, and purpose.

I truly recommend this book. It strengthened my faith, encouraged my heart, and reminded me of the core truth of the gospel. It is a book worth reading, reflecting on, and sharing with others.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)