Believe in the Risen Christ
I love Easter. Even more precisely, I love the resurrection of Jesus. The Bible joyfully declares “It is true! The Lord has risen!” (Luke 24:34, NIV,*). And if we believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins and is now risen, a new power is at work in our lives. You see, Jesus will raise us up too. There is no death for those who believe in the Risen Christ. Hallelujah!
With the words of Jesus: And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”…“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. (John 6:39-40,44, NIV,*)
Three times in this passage Jesus tells us he will raise us up at the last day. It was not just a slip, he meant it. So according to Jesus, everyone who believes in the risen Christ shall have eternal life. Jesus himself will raise you up.
Believe in the Risen Christ
So Easter is not just a religious holy day. Easter is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. And because it also brings eternal life for all who believe in the risen Christ. This is the fundamental belief of Christianity and it truly changes everything for the better.
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15:55-57, NIV,*)
This earthly life is full of death and dying, hardships and sorrow but the resurrection of Jesus brings us real hope: this life is not all there is. Life and light win over death and darkness. We are on our way to heaven and Jesus will make sure we will get there. Hallelujah!
Dear God,
You’ve planned and prepared everything so beautifully, thank you so much.
Be forever praised for all you’ve done for us.
Thank you for loving us so much that you gave your only Son so we could be united with you.
Help us to embrace the resurrection of Jesus in our everyday lives,
enable us to live in the power of the resurrection.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: Do you believe in the risen Christ? Do you tend to forget Jesus has risen?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you learn to celebrate and live in the power of the resurrection!
Photo by Pisit Heng on Unsplash.