Resurrection of Christ is a reminder that we need have no fear about death. Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
"Easter Sunday" is an annual holiday celebrated by many. Millions of people commemorate the resurrection of Jesus on this day. Many consider it as "the most holy" of religious holidays. For some, it marks the only time they attend church services (Christmas runs a close second).
Christians in the first century did not have an annual observance of this event. The word "Easter" is found only once in the KJV Bible (cf. Acts 12:4). The word in the Greek is actually "Passover", and so translated elsewhere in the KJV. "It is reasonably certain that the New Testament contains no reference to a yearly celebration of the resurrection of Christ" (ISBE). The annual observance is a human tradition, introduced in the second and third centuries.
Churches today who follow the New Testament pattern do not celebrate "Easter" as such. Like the church in Jerusalem, they are content to abide in the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42). They note Paul's teaching regarding religious holidays (cf. Galatians 4:9-11). Additionally, they value Jesus' warning regarding the traditions of men (cf. Matthew 15:9).
This does not in any way demean the importance of the resurrection of Christ. It has great significance to the Christian. It is something we should think about often (certainly more than once a year). It's also an appropriate subject even on "Easter Sunday", just as sermons on thankfulness are around Thanksgiving, and sermons on mothers are on Mother's Day (even though churches may not celebrate such holidays fundamentally!)
Now, with that thought in mind, allow me to use this opportunity to review the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ for the Christian. It's significance can first be seen by considering if Christ was not raised. Let's see what might transpire in this case.
If Christ was not raised, then...
Gospel preaching is vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). The preaching of the apostles is empty, meaningless. Because they proclaimed nothing more than a fairy tale, a story of fiction.
Our faith is vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). Our belief in Christ would also be empty, meaningless. For our faith would be in a lie, a story of make believe, not truth.
The Apostles were false witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:15). They swore that God raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 2:32). They claimed to spend 40 days with Him after the resurrection, eating and drinking with Him (Acts 10:39-41). There is no way they could have been deceived or mistaken; either they told the truth or they were deliberate liars, deceivers, and frauds!
We are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). It would have been a liar or lunatic that died on the cross. No such person could have provided a sacrifice that was holy and without blemish.
Believers have perished at death (1 Corinthians 15:18). Their faith would have been in a false Messiah. They would have had no atonement for their sins. Dying in their sins, there would be no hope.
Christians are to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). Because we believe in a false Messiah. Because our faith in Him leads us to refrain from much worldly pleasure. Because we are often ridiculed or persecuted for our faith.
As Paul makes it clear, the resurrection of Christ is foundational to the Christian faith. If Jesus is not raised, then we should not be Christians! Now let's examine the significance from another angle.
If Christ has been raised, then...
It verifies our justification (Romans 4:24-25). Jesus claimed His blood would be adequate (Matthew 26:28). By raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated His acceptance of Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins! (Romans 8:33-34).
It demonstrates the power available to the Christian (Ephesians 1:18-20). It's the power available at our conversion (Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:21). And, the power available to live the Christian life (Romans 8:11-13; Philippians 2:12-13; 4:13; Ephesians 3:20; 6:10).
It gives us hope concerning our own resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). His resurrection gives us a living hope! (1 Peter 1:21). Especially concerning the resurrection of believers! (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).
It demands our complete loyalty (Romans 14:9). He was raised and then exalted to become our Lord (Acts 2:32-36; Ephesians 1:20-23). Thus our lives and service belong to Him (Romans 14:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:15).
In conclusion, the impact of the resurrection of Jesus should not go unfelt in our lives. Because as a historical event it has everlasting implications for both the believer, and the unbeliever. The believer must never lose sight of the significance of the resurrection. Do our lives demonstrate that we serve a risen Lord and Savior Do we possess the hope, peace, and strength that the reality and power of His resurrection gives to the Christian?
The unbeliever also needs to examine the significance of the resurrection carefully. It verifies the deity of Jesus, that He has all authority (Romans 1:4; Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:36). It verifies the truthfulness of what He taught, such as...
1) No one can come to the Father but through Him (John 14:6)
2) His blood was shed for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28)
3) He came to offer abundant life (John 10:10)
4) He went to prepare a place for us (John 14:2)
5) He shall come again (John 14:3)
6) There will be a resurrection of the dead and ensuing judgment (John 5:28-29; 12:48)
If Jesus rose from the dead, then one must believe in Him (cf. John 8:24). And may we never forget the significance of the resurrection of Christ in our lives!
Now, let's pray...
O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen
Until next time...
Have a blessed week!
Bibi
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