Archive for the ‘Resurrection’ Category
The Resurrection
Easter is the time of year when some but by no means all of us remember the Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ and His resurrection three days later. The empty tomb is evidence of Christ’s victory over death. The empty tomb also reveals the guarantee of our possible future resurrection for Scripture tells us:-
Hebrews 2:14 We are people of flesh and blood. That is why Jesus became one of us. He died to destroy the devil, who had power over death.
Hebrews 2:15 But He also died to rescue all of us who live each day in fear of dying.
&
Romans 8:37 In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.
Romans 8:38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love–not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future,
Romans 8:39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Why do we need resurrecting isn’t death final? That is the belief of many people and we must respect their beliefs. However, the Christian faith believes in life after death; It’s not only the Christian faith that believes in life after death most other religions do as well. The difference is the Bible stands on it’s own in its claims that all mankind can partake of everlasting life; and offers proof of this through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. No other faith or religion offers proof of resurrection.
There were many people who saw the risen Jesus Christ as the Apostle Paul testifies:-
1Corinthians 15:4 He (Jesus Christ) was buried, and three days later He was raised to life, as the Scriptures say.
1Corinthians 15:5 Christ appeared to Peter, then to the twelve.
1Corinthians 15:6 After this, He appeared to more than five hundred other followers. Most of them are still alive, but some have died.
1Corinthians 15:7 He also appeared to James, and then to all of the apostles.
1Corinthians 15:8 Finally, He appeared to me, even though I am like someone who was born at the wrong time.
That is over 500 witnesses enough to convince any jury in any court in any land. The question is does this convince you and why should it bother you anyway?
The Bible tells us that the outcome of sin is death:-
Romans 6:23 Sin pays off with death. But God’s gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord.
We all fall short of the righteousness of God, if you have ever taken so much as a paper clip from work without permission you are effectively a thief. If you have told a little white lie to spare somebody’s feelings the bottom line is that you are a liar. Harsh judgement I know however, the Bible is more intense than even these seemingly innocuous misdemeanours: It tells us that if you even think about doing bad things, in your heart you have committed them, therefore you are guilty as charged. The cost of these demeanours = death. The good news (that’s effectively what the Gospel means) is that Jesus Christ paid that cost for all of us. We all have an escape clause:-
John 3:16 God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never die.
The Bible is clear-cut about this statement of having to have faith in Christ:-
John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father.
So, there we have it the central basic message of Easter. If you find yourself pondering on your future it won’t do you any harm to recollect the Easter message. In fact it may even lead you to eternal life.
All Bible quotes taken from the Contemporary English Version.