It has been a long while since I was here, but I do want to make mention of today. It is Easter, or Resurrection Sunday 2019. We have so much to be thankful for as we contemplate the meaning of this wonderful day and the events that took place 2000+/- years ago. (Take a moment or two to read and reflect on I Corinthians 15.)
The resurrection was unexpected by the disciples and rejected by the scorners and unbelievers of the day. That sounds a lot like today. Believers make mental ascent to the resurrection and unbelievers reject it as impossible. Truth be told, it was and is impossible, save for one significant detail: the power of an almighty God who was working His plan for the redemption of mankind. That empty tomb carried then and still carries today such great value and tremendous meaning. Christian apologists have for centuries explained the resurrection and provided logical, rational proof and evidence, but one will only believe in the Christ who raised from the dead if he is willing to accept it as impossibly possible. From eyewitness accounts to the writings of 21st century apologists, it becomes apparent that one rejects the resurrection because he chooses to do so. So, what does the resurrection mean to the Christian?
First, the resurrection differentiates Christianity from all other religions. Christians often comment on the empty tomb, but do we (they) really grasp and fully comprehend it? The founders and leaders of ALL other religions died and remain dead (physically), but Jesus Christ rose from the dead and in so doing, conquered sin. What He offers is not a good way to live, but the only way to eternal life. We serve a risen Lord.
Not only do we serve a risen savior, but a savior that has defeated sin. In rising from the tomb, Jesus Christ, the son of God, conquered sin and defeated the enemy (Satan). To this day and beyond, Satan yet tries to win in his battle against God. To use a phrase that is not new, he has already lost and doesn't know it. Our great, almighty, omnipotent God defeated sin and death and offers to mankind the victory if we will but accept it. To those who have, we can live in victory if we live in His grace and allocate His power to fight the battle. The resurrection is the evidence that we already have the victory.
In conclusion, in the resurrection we have the offer of life eternal in the next life and the promise of victory over sin in this life. We have a God that reigns on high and is concerned with us as individuals. He makes His grace and power available to us that we might live in Him, not merely survive the difficulties and challenges of life. It is His resurrection that empowers the believer and offers us a hope for the future, a future for Him and with Him. He are a couple of resources on the resurrection for your reading/watching pleasure.
Enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment