Easter ReflectionsSample

The resurrection of Jesus means so many things to believers. First, the phrase "delivered up" in Romans 4:25 is used to mean "cast into prison" or "delivered to justice." Christ's suffering and death brought about salvation for the entire world. In the Old Testament creation account and the civil and religious legislation of the Mosaic code, death is seen as punishment for sin. Christ was delivered up for our trespasses, which means he died in our stead.

But he did not stay in the grave; he was raised up, showing that he conquered death (Romans 6:9, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57). In that regard, believers also have confidence that he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also raise us in the last day (2 Corinthians 4:14).

A theory refutes Christ's resurrection by dismissing the claims of those who saw him as mere hallucinations. It argues that Christ's post-resurrection appearances were merely appearances; they were not real. Paul, however, mentions in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that Christ appeared to five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, after he had appeared to all his disciples. How could five hundred people have hallucinations at the same time? In addition, he appeared to many people at different times. Even mere common logic would not support such a theory.

It feels great to know that Jesus resurrected. We're confident that death has already been defeated. This means that we should not live in fear of death anymore. We have an obligation to spread this good news of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with boldness both to those far away and near us. Why pass up on the chance to live in eternity with those we love and reach out to? During this Easter holiday, think of your relatives who don't know Christ and plan to reach out to them with the gospel.

Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for raising your Son Jesus Christ from the grave and saving us from all our transgressions. Help me to live my life in light of this reality. In Jesus' name, Amen.