Upon hearing that our daughter-in-law was pregnant, my wife and I were elated. Our joy and prayerful concern for this new life in the womb continues to this day.
This Easter, Christians are celebrating Christ’s resurrection as the conclusive evidence that He conquered sin and it’s inevitable consequence of death. Christ sacrificed His life and suffered the just punishment for human rebellion so that all who believe in Him will experience new, spiritual, and eternal life (John 3:16).
Jesus’ claim—“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26)—was confirmed not only when He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43), but ultimately and supremely when He Himself rose from the dead (Matthew 28:6).
The remarkable and undeniable reality of Jesus’ resurrection compels us to action.
Do we reject Jesus’ resurrection as fact and refuse faith in Him as the only solution to your moral corruption, lack of meaningful direction, and personal dissatisfaction? God’s word is clear that unbelief leads to condemnation. “He who does not believe the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on Him.” (John 3:36b) It’s not too late to respond to Jesus’ invitation, “come to Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give your rest.” (Matthew 11:28) The whole point of Jesus’ death and resurrection is that if we turn from our self-directed life and trust in Christ we will receive new life.
Do we accept Jesus’ resurrection as fact and put our faith in Him as the only source of salvation from God’s just condemnation of our moral corruption? If we are personally trusting that Christ’s death paid the penalty for our unrighteousness and that He rose again to secure our salvation (Romans 4:25), then our belief will impact our behavior.
First of all, like grandparents expecting another grandchild, believers in Jesus continually celebrate His resurrection because we appreciate the new life we enjoy because of it (Colossians 2:12-14).
Secondly, Just as spring evidences new life—budding trees, blossoming flowers, and birds singing—we who believe in the resurrected Christ demonstrate our new life in Him by behaving like Jesus—exhibiting compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness (Romans 6:4).
Thirdly, Christ followers boldly articulate Jesus’ resurrection as proof that God accepted His sacrifice for sin since a person must believe both truths to become a Christian (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Finally, Believers joyfully anticipate our own bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
Christ is Risen. What’s our response?