As we come to the end of this Easter break, many thoughts cross my mind regarding its meaning and purpose for the believer. Just to set the records straight, the Easter season is not meant to herald the commencement of spring; even though they fall within the same time frame. Neither is it a celebration created to relieve our hard working citizens from the stress of office work; even though it is also a welcome gift. Without a clear definition of issues, there is the risk of neglecting the true meaning of Easter. The Easter season is the season for the celebration of life, for it was in this season many years ago that our Lord died a most gruesome death on the cross for our sake. Nevertheless, we celebrate not because he died but because he arose from the dead. We have the assurance of scriptures, backed by the eternal integrity of God that because he arose, we also rise with him. This is why the baptism of water is so important. It is a symbol of our death with Jesus Christ and also our resurrection with him.
“But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain and your faith is also vain”1 Corinthians 15:13-14
If indeed Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is of no meaning for we have faith in a dead man who has no power whatsoever to keep his word. Then all our hopes would come crashing down and above all, we would yet be sinners; ignorant sinners I might add.
“Yea and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sin.” 1 Corinthians 15:15-17
The Apostle Paul clearly outlined what it would mean for us as believers IF Jesus had not risen from the dead. We would be “of all men most miserable“. But thank God Jesus is risen!
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man also the resurrection of the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-21
Hence, we celebrate in this Easter season because the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the basis for Christianity, for the forgiveness of our sins and for our hope of eternal life. Everything we are rests on that one truth; that Jesus rose from the dead and is alive as King of kings before the throne of God. We are also assured of resurrection from the dead because Jesus rose and will also raise us up on the last day by the same power with which he was raised. Therefore, death has lost its sting and has been swallowed up in the Victory of Jesus.
Grasping a detailed understanding of these truths is the duty of every believer and is the reason why we celebrate Easter; because he arose, we are assured that our sins are indeed forgiven and that when we die, we will only be asleep, pending when he wakes us up again on the last day. This is therefore the celebration of life, liberty and victory!
Please click on the link here to read our poem on the death and ressurection of Jesus. It is titled “Have you Considered?” and poses the question of whether we understand the purpose of his death. Be blessed as we celebrate the life that Jesus has given us.
Celebration Of Life
Posted by davidluiz in Daily Devotional, Messages, You must be Born Again
As we come to the end of this Easter break, many thoughts cross my mind regarding its meaning and purpose for the believer. Just to set the records straight, the Easter season is not meant to herald the commencement of spring; even though they fall within the same time frame. Neither is it a celebration created to relieve our hard working citizens from the stress of office work; even though it is also a welcome gift. Without a clear definition of issues, there is the risk of neglecting the true meaning of Easter. The Easter season is the season for the celebration of life, for it was in this season many years ago that our Lord died a most gruesome death on the cross for our sake. Nevertheless, we celebrate not because he died but because he arose from the dead. We have the assurance of scriptures, backed by the eternal integrity of God that because he arose, we also rise with him. This is why the baptism of water is so important. It is a symbol of our death with Jesus Christ and also our resurrection with him.
“But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain and your faith is also vain”1 Corinthians 15:13-14
If indeed Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is of no meaning for we have faith in a dead man who has no power whatsoever to keep his word. Then all our hopes would come crashing down and above all, we would yet be sinners; ignorant sinners I might add.
“Yea and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sin.” 1 Corinthians 15:15-17
The Apostle Paul clearly outlined what it would mean for us as believers IF Jesus had not risen from the dead. We would be “of all men most miserable“. But thank God Jesus is risen!
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man also the resurrection of the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-21
Hence, we celebrate in this Easter season because the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the basis for Christianity, for the forgiveness of our sins and for our hope of eternal life. Everything we are rests on that one truth; that Jesus rose from the dead and is alive as King of kings before the throne of God. We are also assured of resurrection from the dead because Jesus rose and will also raise us up on the last day by the same power with which he was raised. Therefore, death has lost its sting and has been swallowed up in the Victory of Jesus.
Grasping a detailed understanding of these truths is the duty of every believer and is the reason why we celebrate Easter; because he arose, we are assured that our sins are indeed forgiven and that when we die, we will only be asleep, pending when he wakes us up again on the last day. This is therefore the celebration of life, liberty and victory!
Please click on the link here to read our poem on the death and ressurection of Jesus. It is titled “Have you Considered?” and poses the question of whether we understand the purpose of his death. Be blessed as we celebrate the life that Jesus has given us.