The Apostle Paul teaches us the resurrection
of Jesus, celebrated at Easter, is the foundation on which Christian faith and life is
based:"If Christ had not been
raised from death, then we have nothing to preach,
and you have nothing to believe."
(1 Corinthians 15:14)
Salvation begins with repentance of sin,
confessing Jesus is Lord, and believing that God raised Jesus from the dead.
Of course, believing in Jesus' resurrection is also to believe in certain crucial truths.
Believing in the resurrection is to believe, no matter what happens to us, God is in full
control of our lives, just as he was in full control of Jesus' life, while He was on
earth.
Believing in the resurrection is to believe eternal life will ultimately prevail over the
sin and death that surrounds us in this world.
Believing in the resurrection encourages us not to submit to the evil in the world, and
leads us to hope. Hope strengthens us in our spiritual warfare against the forces of evil:
"The world will make you suffer. But
be brave!
I have defeated the world."
(John 16:33)
Believing in the resurrection of Jesus is to
believe the fullness of life, which we all seek, will be gained by following the teachings
of Christ:
"If anyone would come after me, he
must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for me will save it."
(Luke 9:23-24).
Believing in the resurrection of Jesus is to
believe that death is not the last word in our lives, but a doorway to abundant,
everlasting life.
Believing is the beginning, and the key. For with belief
comes the Holy Spirit into our hearts to guide us toward everything else God has waiting
for us.
At Easter, we celebrate the greatest Love the world will
ever know -- the Love that offers hope and peace and life to anyone willing to accept it.
As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, may it be more
meaningful than ever to you and to everyone you love.
